Brandon Tries Things

I’m considering it a win that I’m getting a second post up. Plus, I took some action!

Creative Project # 1: Minneapolis Community Games

Those closest to me have heard my idea of creating some sort of Community Games, where my home town, Minneapolis, can invest in a city-wide project where we celebrate our unique neighborhoods through a set of events in the style of the Olympic Games. Minneapolis is home to 83 distinct neighborhoods, grouped into 11 communities, each with their own local flair. A full list of neighborhoods and communities is included here: Minneapolis Community Profile and is put together by the city’s Community Planning & Economic Development department.

The idea is to create something that brings the whole city together, in friendly competition, where we can stand behind our own small community. The Community Games must be something that is free to all that live in Minneapolis. And when I say free, I mean transportation to the games, concessions at the games, free space to congregate and rest, free and easily accessible bathrooms, and of course, free access to all competitions taking place throughout the course of the games. The purpose of these game should not be to make money. It should be to invigorate the community in which the games take place, while celebrating that specific area of the city. Local businesses will thrive, neighbors will bike or walk to the local community center to see the Friday night basketball game, and it will build cohesion within our city that makes it a desirable place to live.

I believe that as this is a celebration of Minneapolis and those that live in the city, it should be limited in scope for participation and for support to those that live in the city limits. In order to participate in the games one must live in Minneapolis and must participate for the community in which they reside. In order to receive the free perks associated with the games, you must also live within the city limits. Exceptions of course should be made for individuals experiencing hardship, but as this is a celebration of Minneapolis, the priority should be supporting those that live in Minneapolis. Those living outside city limits can attend, but must pay for attendance and services related to the games. The idea is not to be exclusionary, but should emphasize to residents that this is about them, no matter the socioeconomic background.

Partnerships must be made between the private and public sector in order for the games to succeed. But please, our lives have enough egregious advertising, keep it to a minimum. This is about celebrating the city, not generating sales for Target.

Imagine a Friday night in July. You know the local park and community center is hosting the final of the Community Games Soccer match between your own community and the next community over. It’s about a half mile walk, but you plan to head down to the game knowing that all your friends and many of your neighbors plan on attending. Food will be free, there are places to sit and rest, and you know the game will draw a huge crowd. After the game people aren’t told to immediately leave, and many linger, catching up with friends and neighbors as volunteers clean up the park and get things ready for later in the week. Some will head back up the street to their home, or hop on a bus with free fare, or will take off on a bike to the other side of town. Many will spread out throughout the neighborhood to local bars and restaurants, bringing life and energy to the community economy.

We’re all looking for some way to connect with those around us. Our block, neighborhood, city. It starts with shared experiences, getting outside and actually doing something with those living near you.

We have access to a world of information at our fingertips. We can learn about any part of the world, we can talk to strangers in other countries in an instant, and we can have whatever we want or need shipped to our door in just hours. Yet, we are lonelier and more isolated than ever.

Of course we, as individuals, know that social interactions can help alleviate these problems, but we are not solely at fault here. Our world, the entire system of our lives, encourages us to stare into our screens. The biggest and most powerful corporations in our country profit whenever we scroll and click. Let’s build something that connects us all, totally independent of these systems that aim to monetize us. And why can’t cities take the lead?

Cities benefit when the community is thriving. Minneapolis lists it’s goals as: Public Safety, Housing, Economic Development, Public Services, Environmental Justice, Environment and Transportation, Public Health, and Arts and Culture. The stated vision of the city is “Minneapolis is an intentionally compassionate city where each of us can reach our full potential while caring for one another, eliminating racial disparities, improving our environment and promoting social well-being. We lead in innovative and creative ways, focused not only on our present needs, but also the success of future generations.”

I would challenge city leaders to find faults in my plan and aim to create something that celebrates our city. Something that encourages all of us to come together. Something that touches on people’s passions and interests. I believe the Community Games could be that something, and could transform the city if done right.

Obviously this is a huge undertaking. I have no illusions that this would be an easy logistical project, but I’d argue that we should be pushing ourselves to achieve big and difficult things. “We lead in innovative and creative ways” says Minneapolis. I haven’t seen it. Let’s set ourselves apart and create something big! Something fun that everyone can be a part of! It can be done, I’m certain. It’s just whether those with the influence make it happen.

Brandon Tries Things update

Alright everyone, this is my first attempt at putting a creative idea into action. I’ve drafted up emails pitching this idea of the Community Games and sent them off to my local city councilperson, the head of the Minneapolis Community Planning and Economic Development department, and the Mayor’s office.

Will I hear back? Likely not, who knows. But I have an idea, I think it could work, I’ve put thought and effort into rounding out what it could look like, and I’ve sent it to those that have influence. I’d love ideas on how else I could take action, but this is a good step. I’m working on my big goal! And I’ll keep this blog going as long as I can.