Written by editor on 03 January 2012
by Peter Molenaar
Yes, the revolutionary process is again unfolding and is, this time around, discernible and understandable even to us “broad masses”. It is natural, in this context, for the most “gifted” to step forward as “partisans of the people”.
It is natural, as well, that a competition for leadership status will develop between individuals and between political groupings. Some say that this competition is a good thing. However, a serious downside occurs when personal or sectarian interests are placed above the interests of the movement as a whole. When opportunism prevails, we all suffer the consequences.
Are manifestations of this “left-opportunism” inevitable? The answer is: yes. Yes, because many of our educated people are inadequately grounded among the working class and the oppressed. As the revolution gathers steam, it then becomes increasingly obligatory for the actors to embrace the practice of “Criticism and Self-Criticism”.
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Written by editor on 03 January 2012
By Janice Barbee, Cultural Wellness Center
Three years ago, Allina began the Backyard Initiative as an investment in the community”'s power to improve its own health in partnership with the resources of the health care system. Allina has shown its commitment to the community engagement process as a strategy for strengthening the capacity for residents to care for themselves and each other. Over 300 people have become active owners of the Initiative.
The Backyard Initiative is a partnership between Allina Health Systems and the residents of the area around Allina Headquarters ”“ included the neighborhoods of Phillips Community, Corcoran, Central, and Powderhorn Park. Also included in the partnership are the Cultural Wellness Center, which facilitates, organizes, and supports community residents to work together on health improvement; Hope Community, which is hosting dialogue among organizations in the community and exploring ways for organizations to support and complement community engagement; and Portico, Inc., which is providing health care insurance to residents in the Backyard who qualify.
The Backyard Initiative now has an infrastructure that includes 15 Citizen Health Action Teams, a one of its kind 35-member Community Commission on Health and a Community Resource Body comprised of influential leaders in community development, health care, and business.… Read the rest “The Backyard Commission on Health: Commissioner”'s Report on Accomplishments”
Written by editor on 05 December 2011
The Neighborhood That Could by Ramla Abdi (9 years)
Each and every day many things happen. One day one thing happened that changed a lot in some people”'s lives. A neighborhood was full of people, grocery stores, a shoe shop, ice cream store and much more! But sadly all of it was destroyed. People got thrown out of their homes, got run out of their businesses, kids couldn”'t play in the park anymore. The next day Vroom! Screech! A freeway was built. No more people, kids, stores. All that was left was a rusty road full of cars making a lot of noise. Now people live with a big wound. But a man covered all of those wounds…Mr. Peterson. He reconnected all those friends, families and so much more. If he can build a bridge, we can make a big difference in this community. Thanks, Mr. Peterson!
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Criticism And Self-Criticism
by Peter Molenaar
Yes, the revolutionary process is again unfolding and is, this time around, discernible and understandable even to us “broad masses”. It is natural, in this context, for the most “gifted” to step forward as “partisans of the people”.
It is natural, as well, that a competition for leadership status will develop between individuals and between political groupings. Some say that this competition is a good thing. However, a serious downside occurs when personal or sectarian interests are placed above the interests of the movement as a whole. When opportunism prevails, we all suffer the consequences.
Are manifestations of this “left-opportunism” inevitable? The answer is: yes. Yes, because many of our educated people are inadequately grounded among the working class and the oppressed. As the revolution gathers steam, it then becomes increasingly obligatory for the actors to embrace the practice of “Criticism and Self-Criticism”.
Related Images: