Livable Future Project

Fournder and coordinator Patricia Eileen Mikkelson
Email: livablefuture@yahoo.com

Patricia Mikkelson
Email: livablefuture@yahoo.com
2493 Blackberry Lane
Fayetteville AR 72703
Home: 479-582-1681

Livable Future Project

Livable Future Project

Supporting neighborhoods in using their own strengths by helping them sponsor weekly Community Gatherings and training Community Facilitators.

It is essential that all the voices in the neighborhood are welcomed and heard through

How?

How: By helping neighbors produce a Community Gathering which is described below.

Imagine the most fun festival or holiday you can think of. You just know you won?’t miss it because it is so enriching. Add the idea that people can give and receive support on their personal goals such as finding a right livelihood, and working on bettering their neighborhood-like creating a community garden or developing an emergency preparedness plan. People who aren?’t so sure they want to be an activist?—come to have fun with music, dance, art and other creative endeavors. By being around the positive energy of cooperation and people making a difference in changing the world for a better?—even the most apathetic want to get involved.

Imagine folks who are hungry or too busy to cook come to eat the yummy, healthy meal. Parents who are overwhelmed or want enriching family activities bring their children and teens who find fun and serviceful things to do.

Imagine diversity. People who are often left out get special invitations, rides, and are made welcome. Human beings of all ages who want to teach and learn useful things like sustainable living, parenting, fixing things, gardening and more can share and partake. We will make every effort to find some uplifting way to help everyone get some basic need met.

Imagine that as people meet and build trust participants create a shared vision for their neighborhood and strategic plan to carry it out.

Finally, imagine a place that everyone?’s needs can be met!

That is the Community Gathering! Using social capital?—trust filled relationships and sense of belonging?—and helping people to connect to their passion--to the max!

Why?

Why? Successful neighborhood development is based on the strengths, resources and talents of individuals, organizations, and businesses in the neighborhood. Relationships based on trust and mutual support are essential. Although some resources from outside the community are often needed, the key to lasting solutions comes from within the neighborhood. . The gifts and skills of residents and the assets of the physical community are always the starting place. No plan or organization from outside the neighborhood can duplicate what is already there. Simple yet powerful and time-tested tools are now being used more commonly such as Open Space Technology to help people to create and carry out a shared vision. The Community Gathering brings people together utilizing these tools to help people connect and cooperate effectively.



2. Focus on emergency preparedness for long and short term possibilities.

3. Help each other realize our heartfelt dreams as well as basic needs.

4. Cooperate wtih other neighborhoods and the larger community.

5. Encourage peace in the world by making our neighborhoods places where everyone can thrive.