Written by Kate Mosher- 100in1Day Volunteer
We set out the tables at the Alderney Gate Library, put out our crackers, veggies, salsa and hummus. The kettle boils and the coffee perks. Around 6:15pm, the participants stream in. Some are in junior high, others are nearing retirement.
May 1st heralds the first of six 100in1Day Halifax Intervention Workshops. The workshops are designed to bring interested citizens together to brainstorm intervention ideas, discuss, plan, conspire and inspire. Upon arrival, some participants already have an idea, some are determining whether they would like to stage their own intervention or support someone else’s, and others have come to learn more and discuss their ideas about fun and meaningful events.
An icebreaker gets us thinking and talking; if your community was a person, what would you ask it?
My partner says “Why so quiet?”, while my neighbour says “Ever heard of a bath?”
I say, “Do you know my name?”
Then Julia and Colleen walk us through the details of 100in1Day – the history, the intent and the logistics.
Down to work, brainstorming: What do we love about Halifax? What would we like to see more of? What could we as citizens do to achieve that?
“Talk to thy neighbour” writes one of the high-school students. “Pop-up street parties” writes another group. “Year-round carolling” is heard from the front; it receives resounding approval.
We chat, we nibble, we sip, we debate. By 8:00pm, everyone’s heads are buzzing with possibilities. One participant thinks she might do Strangers Community Choir. Another can’t decide between a photo booth or a henna activity. Others decide that they want to support the event, but aren’t interested in holding an intervention themselves. We hear a common refrain “I just want to go to all of the events!” “Why can’t it be 100in1Day Weekend?”
On the topic of the workshop, “It’s helpful to have a dedicated space to brainstorm,” Eva says.
“It’s making me excited. I look forward to seeing the smiles on people’s faces, and doing other peoples’ activities too,” says one of the female high school students.
Check out the workshop schedule for one close to your community, happening until June 3rd.
100 in 1 Day HFX 