CoreChange: Igniting Our Strengths to Invent the New American City
Why is the project called CoreChange?
Two reasons: First, the primary objective of the project is to develop innovative, systemic solutions for transforming the urban core. Second, there is an expectation that the effort will change the internal convictions of those who participate, helping all of us to see those who are different more as partners with a shared interest and essential strengths, than as enemies who are just part of the problem.
In April of 2011, the CoreChange Design Team came together to identify a name for the effort to impact our community. All efforts lead to the Summit in February 2012, and the action that will take place after the Summit.
The subtitle reflects a number of powerful ideas:
We feel that everyone, regardless of where they live, how much they make or where they work, has something to contribute. And if we can activate citizens, collectively, we can be a stronger community. Thus, the idea of “igniting our strengths” emerged. The group also believed that since the entire region will benefit from transformation of the urban core, the most inspiring notion would be the remaking of Cincinnati as a whole. This idea proved especially stimulating to urban youth, who often feel powerless to change the community.
What happened at the Summit?
For three days, hundreds of people from throughout our region – young adults and CEOs, single mothers and non-profit administrators, elected officials and retirees – gathered together to share their experiences with one another, and examine tough community issues.
Through a process called Appreciative Inquiry and with the help of David Cooperrider, an international consultant who created the process, a a number of working groups arose which are designed to address the systemic causes of problems in our urban communities.
Together, we can impact the community in sustainable, impactful ways.