Whenever I attend a conference or a formation program, I experience an almost overwhelming sense of possibility. I wonder about all the things I can / should do when I get back to Cornerstone / Campus Ministry & Social Action / Manhattan College. Then I take a deep breath and try and discern what I might really be able to do.
I think some of the tasks outlined by Diego Munoz yesterday (see Ray’s post) will end up on my short list. For want thing, I want to “develop cutting-edge community projects at the service of the poor.” I’m not sure yet what they will be but I think we have some potential at the College that needs exploring. For one thing, we are in the Bronx – the poorest urban county in the US. Reading the signs of our times – and our neighborhoods – should give us ample work to do.
The key for me is to go beyond “community service” to “projects at the service of the poor.” Say for instance, ESL classes for our Spanish speaking custodial staff. Or the income tax preparation our students will do again this coming tax season. (It saves hundreds of Bronx residents thousands upon thousands of dollars.) Or tenant and community organizing in buildings ravaged by the current debt and mortgage crisis. Buildings only a few blocks south and east of our campus.
Stay tuned!
Go for it, Lois!! Don't get overwhelmed. My saying: a few reasonable goals done VERY WELL!!
ReplyDeleteGreat ideas--