(En)Compassing Heart
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
(EN)COMPASSING HEART: A GRASSROOTS NGOs NAVIGATION TOWARDS SUSTAINABILITY By Rachel Larabee A thesis submitted in conformity with the requirements For the degree of Master of Arts Graduate Department of Adult Education and Counselling Psychology University of Toronto ©Copyright by Rachel Larabee 2009 Abstract Rachel Larabee (En)Compassing Heart: A Grassroots NGO’s Navigation Towards Sustainability Master of Arts 2009 Department of Adult Education and Counselling Psychology Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (En)Compassing Heart explores and documents the organizational journey of POR AMOR Community Enhancement Initiatives. POR AMOR is a current, Toronto based, youth-led, non-profit organization I co-founded with three other young women in 2003. POR AMOR initiatives focus on youth empowerment and specifically helping young people to make responsible transitions into adulthood and become active leaders in their communities. Through the use of arts-informed methodological practices, this project is constructed as a modern narrative, infused with spoken-word poetry, to track the journey of a young girl from her passion for the arts to becoming an empowered individual within her community. The young protagonist is representative of the journey of POR AMOR, our journey as young people navigating our way to meaningful work in communities. The mission of POR AMOR is to promote and facilitate art-based youth empowerment initiatives in local and international community contexts. II Dedications (Intentions) I dedicate this story to the ancestors who have guided its purpose and passion. To the four winds, south, west, north and east, from the end to the beginning, through the archetypal powers— may we learn the ways of our ancient ones and re-member the wisdom they transpire. May we honour them and receive their gentle awakening. I dedicate this story to the wisdom, traditions, teachings, kindness and inspiration of the indigenous people of Turtle Island. I particularly dedicate it to those of the Six Nations whose paths and teachings I have had the honour of crossing and whose medicine I have had the honour of receiving. I dedicate this story to youth and our dreams for them: that they receive the guidance that leads them to their quest of Self discovery; that they become empowered through the recognition of who they are and what they are worth; that they realize their inner strengths, creative powers and carry their light forward like shining medicine on the open wounds of our past, like shining compasses on the dark tunnels of our present, like fierce, fire blazing torches paving trails for the next seven generations. I dedicate this story to parents, grandparents, teachers, guidance councillors, therapists, social workers, and all people who interact with young people: that they may see the value in training, investing and valuing young people as keepers of the Earth and family ties (human bonds); that they recognize the glowing heart in every young person and work to keep that glow nourished, guided and supported instead of feared, loathed and misunderstood. Our communities need not be plagued with children of low self esteem who in turn cause destruction and violence out of anger for not being seen, heard and acknowledged, out of frustration because our youth struggle to find their way and we fear them as they struggle, as they cannot locate their dreams, as they feel like they do not belong; that these people direct their attention to the precious resource our youth provide to our communities. That they refrain from looking upon youth as a burden but instead as young, vibrant, resilient and inspired warriors who will carry the torch for those of us naturally beginning to slow III down; that they see the value in young social activists who stand up for virtues of love, justice, peace, and harmony; that they refrain from describing these concepts as unrealistic idealism but instead encourage the awareness of oppositions to these concepts as an assault and abuse to the Self, because we are ONE. I dedicate this story to my sisters: Erin, Tanika and Melissa; that they may continue to honour their heart and dreams; that we may continue to support each other in the next steps and phase of this dream manifestation and community renewal. Most importantly, I dedicate this story to the Great Spirit and all manifestations of it; to the life force, the creative force, the ocean, the forests, the gardens, the mountains, the four-legged, two- legged, multiple-legged ones, the winged ones, the stones, the ether and all the blessed energy in motion--LOVE...from my deepest, highest place—Namaste. IV Acknowledgements There are several people I’d like to acknowledge for their unconditional support to me throughout this heart-full work. First and foremost to the Creator—I will never stop praising your many names and blessed ways. To my family, Mom, Dad and Ashley—thank you for always helping me recognize the fullness of love and being there through and through to show Love’s many reflections. Words could never contain the fullness of my love and appreciation for you. To my supervisor, Ardra Cole—You saw my vision through its twists and turns and spoke my language from day one. I am humbled by your gentle yet powerful guidance and strength. You have been an indescribable support academically, professionally, personally and always heartfully. Words cannot say how much I appreciate your wisdom and support throughout this process. To my second reader, Gary Knowles—thank you for your constant support in the AECP Department, in my navigations through academia and for all your caring help along the way. Thanks to professors at OISE: Ed O’Sullivan, Nancy Jackson, Solveiga Miezitis, Anne Goodman and Kunle Akingbola for all the valuable resources and information your experiences provide. Special thanks to my friends at OISE for all your help: Erika Bailey, Paula Cameron, Dan Hill, Laurel Waterman, Angie Leto and Rebecca Ballen. To my BFF always, Mang—God has blessed us with such an eternal and intangible gift—may we never take it for granted. To my POR AMOR Co-Creators—thank you for making dreams come true with me. And lastly, to all the youth participants who have participated in our projects over the years—you keep me young and hopeful—thank you. V Table of Contents Abstract.............................................................................................................................................. II Dedications (Intentions) .................................................................................................................. III Acknowledgements .......................................................................................................................... V Table of Contents ............................................................................................................................. VI Table of Figures ................................................................................................................................ IX Introduction ........................................................................................................................................ 1 “Butterflies” .............................................................................................................................. 1 Part 1: The Experiential Journey ....................................................................................................... 6 Chapter One: Dreams that Awaken .............................................................................................. 7 “Our Way” .............................................................................................................................. 10 Chapter Two: The Confidence to Begin ...................................................................................... 21 “This Place They Tell Me is Home” ........................................................................................ 26 Chapter Three: The Law of Manifestation ................................................................................. 37 “My Time to Rhyme” ............................................................................................................. 53 VI Chapter Four: The Mind Serves; The Heart Leaps ..................................................................... 57 “POR AMOR” .......................................................................................................................... 80 Chapter Five: Patience for the Unfolding ................................................................................... 84 “Fire on the Roof” .................................................................................................................. 94 Part 2: Reflective/Theoretical Journey ......................................................................................... 106 Chapter Six: Lost in the Land of Structure ................................................................................107 “Puerto Plata” ....................................................................................................................... 121 Chapter Seven: Constructing the Inner Compass ..................................................................... 128 “System?”............................................................................................................................. 129 “Compass Medicine” ...........................................................................................................