So… how was the MFJN Fall Plenum?
If you’ve been to one of the MFJN plenums (fancy word for community assemblies), this may be relatable:
Someone asks you how the event was. You pause to think… because images, vibes, questions, sounds, smells, and taste come into your consciousness before the words do!
So, here’s a recap blog in that spirit, sharing words from attendees. Engage your senses to experience how we dwelled in community together. Engage your imagination for we can curate our next gathering!
Youth Food Justice Day at The Farm
Almost 70 youth from Appetite For Change, Dream of Wild Health, Urban Roots, Farm at the Arb, and Hope Community gathered at the Arboretum to eat, explore, and learn together.
I really liked walking around and seeing all the plants and sitting at the benches seeing all the views.
I wonder how people learned which plants are beneficial to our health?
Can I live here?
Loved how the approach was open ended, and the youth really made it about them, is was a flexible schedule to allow kids to follow their interests and curiosity, made it easier to make relationships
So much HOPE!
Fall Plenum (community assembly)
This group included farmers, local government, educators, chefs, fundraisers, community members, and more. We shared free produce, updates, lunch, and plans for moving forward on policy, a statewide food justice summit, and “food is medicine” work.
Starting it all with sound healing was truly grounding – it resonated through the whole room!
Do we need clay to play with next time, too?
Delicious food, loved how using that caterer was helping someone with their young business.
(Contact info@mfjn.org to learn more about Middle Eastern Flavors by Chef Layla)
I appreciate hearing the reports and stories from the working groups and the opportunity to meet in groups to listen to insights and concerns and consider options for taking action together.
I often don’t think I’m in a position where I can add much and yet, I was sitting next to someone who needed exactly what I could provide. That felt really good. It inspires me that “showing up” is huge. And by doing that, I’m gaining confidence that I’ll figure out how my skills can be of benefit.
What was meaningful? Having the youth present. The diversity of people & sectors engaged. The free produce!
Reminding people often that we are shifting social constructs
(Listen below for examples of what it means to shift the social context!)