Looking forward to talking face to face tonight.

Blake Fox

The overall goal of this “YP Collaboration” is to get more people involved beyond the YP world. This generation understands the value of inclusive, urban communities.

To create that here in Cincinnati, though, we need to get different kinds of people working together. We need events and efforts as big as Taste of Cinti and Leadership Cinti, but planned by and for people that don’t normally work or socialize together.

The overnight connections event, then, is designed to profoundly connect diverse leaders who want to create the cosmopolitan urbanity we all visualize.

Once they come together like this, they can support each other’s current projects and begin new ones–but based in new relationships with new perspectives on what’s needed.

But don’t think we are bound by the specifics in the example–it’s a framework and source of ideas that can be tailored to our community. No matter what happens, though, we need fun (music), dialog, opportunities for planning and visioning, and more fun.

So if this sounds inspiring, come to the next meeting and help us design this thing–and get the right (new, different, diverse, networked) people to help us make it happen.

Jeffrey Stec

I think the one possible hurdle here (as I mentioned in the meeting) is maybe helping shape some direction or guidance for those who are energetic and enthusiastic, but have no clue how or where to focus that enthusiasm. Like you mentioned, also, there may be plenty out there who might be a little nervous about having to give a “presentation”, so maybe listing some topics on this page would help create that focus and give some people a little direction on what sorts of things to research so they’re more “prepared” to participate?

I’d be really hesitant to try to give too much guidance, as that can soon turn this kind of thing from a bottom-up, participant-driven event into a top-down, hierarchical thing. (This reminds me of my fiancé’s euphemism for my nagging: He says I’m “providing focus”. Ahem. ) What I DO think would be a fabulous idea, Greg, is if people would share the topics they’d like to talk about at the event, like your streetcar project idea.

The whole presentation thing shouldn’t be too daunting for most people, as it won’t be like giving a work presentation (no PowerPoint, for one thing! ): There will be multiple conversations running at once, in different rooms, and the “presentations” will be more like led conversations, facilitated by whoever puts their stake in the ground (and index card on the schedule wall). Sitting on the floor, in a circle with people you know, talking about a given topic will – I hope – feel very comfortable to most people.

I’m really glad for your enthusiasm, Greg – especially as you’re the first person to leave a comment! I can’t wait to meet you and make this thing happen, if there’s more positivity toward the idea out there. Fingers crossed!