This past fall, I started on a journey to explore rejuvenation and self care through the collaborative work of The S. Kitchen and Youth Worker Collective. It has been an amazing journey over the last five months that brought together over 30 people to help define what it is, connect personal definitions to a larger narrative, and build a network of folks practicing rejuvenation and self care. I am honored to be among such an clever, intelligent, and heartfelt family.
I am, by nature, a workaholic. I dive in to everything I do and give more of my self than I sometimes think is physically possible. It is a cycle that has ruined relationships, given me many restless nights thanks to insomnia and heartburn, and made me feel like I am crazy. It is an aspect of my life that I want to change.
I justified my workaholism because I was doing social change/justice work. I took on the role of a martyr always putting my self on a shelf in order to do more for others. I would come home from a long day working in a middle school mediating fights, supervising in-school tutoring, running after school programs, setting up mental health referral systems, and talking to parents and open up my computer to do the email I couldn't do at work because I didn't have an internet connection. I would wake up the next morning at 6:30 and be out the door by 7:00 and not come home until after 8:00pm.
I moved on to a part-time job but still put in over 60 hours a week trying to get the organization off the ground. I told myself I loved it, and I did. I loved being out in the community meeting people and hearing their stories. I loved doing important and creative work. I loved supporting those that received little support. I lost a lot of my self in this work. I also found that I was perpetuating a type of behavior I was hoping to alleviate: capitalistic ways of being that thrive on constant "doing" and "consuming". I knew that if I wanted to truly support the change I wanted to see -- more compassionate living and being in community with fellow comrades -- something needed to change.
I was laid off from my job in July of 2010 due to funding cuts, so I took this opportunity to change my being. I decided that I wasn't going to continue "doing" as usual that instead I would slow down and take a little time to find where I am. I decided that I would keep engaged in the same projects I was involved in, but the way I would show up would change. I knew that if I wanted to really make a transformation I needed to transform in the realms I already reside in rather than find a whole new realm to occupy. If I just moved, I would most likely end up in old patterns, and that isn't what I wanted.
Luckily, everything I was involved in was also going through a change thanks in large part to economics and unknown directions. This meant there were many ways to reshape intentionality, slowness, and purpose. It also meant that I would have a community of folks that would be sharing this journey with me. For that, I am eternally grateful.
In this process of slowing down and listening, I heard more and more from folks that rejuvenation and self care is important and crucial to living. I heard it from sectors across the board -- youth development, theater, arts education, small business, health, consultants, faith-based organizations. I started hearing that rejuvenation and self care is both singular and beyond the singular. I knew that there was possibly a there there (in the famous speak of business). I just needed to take my time and explore it more thoroughly.
Youth Worker Collective, an organization of which I have been a part for almost 7 years, has a 5+-year legacy of providing Days of Rejuvenation and Self Care for youth workers across the Bay Area. These days were sparked by a Singhashri Gazmuri and a partnership with the San Francisco Buddhist Center, grew stronger from a partnership with Niroga Institute, and then finally became their own thanks in large part to the wonderful work of Victoria Welle, Margaret Schulze, Sangita Kumar, Andrea Juarez, Jonathan Owens, Liane Louie, and myself. Over the course of two years these Days rooted themselves in multiple faith (and non-faith) perspectives, integrated arts education principles, started including an exploration of resistance, and addressed how the personal is organizational and vice versa. These Days turned into FREE curriculum that others can take and use. (Email me at queerlycomplex@gmail.com if you would like a copy!)
Youth Worker Collective was where I worked and from where I was laid off. We had to change the way we did our work now that we no longer had paid staff, so we reevaluated everything that we were doing and started focusing on what we could accomplish. Given our long legacy of Days of Rejuvenation and Self Care, we decided to focus there. It was a simpler starting point than any other. Looking over our work, we realized we didn't have a definition. That seemed like one of the best places to start.
Tina Mahle and I met over dinner to plan a course of action. I am not going to go into the full detail of what we developed. If you want to read more about that, please click here. Instead, I want to focus on how I changed as a result of going on this journey.
I have grown tremendously. This experiment I call my life is changing everything. For the first time, I feel grounded. I feel like I cannot be swayed. This doesn't mean that I can't bend or compromise. Rather, I feel like I know more about what I can and can't compromise or bend on. I know that I believe, truly believe, that only way we are going to change this world is by being that change we wish to see right here and right now. I know that the competitive nature of non-profit fundraising is hurting our ability to achieve our missions. I know that going slow in a society based on capitalism is counter-cultural and that it make others uncomfortable. I know that this isn't easy.
These past five months have been wonderful and challenging. I have little money in my pocketbook to do anything other than have an occasional night out, pay rent and bills, and put food on the table. At times, I find myself sitting at home anxiety coursing through my body wondering if I have made the right choice and eager to step up and do more. I want to pack my days full with meetings and other "stuff". I call friends freaked out and needing comfort. I have to resist this urge to just fill, fill, fill and do, do, do. And when the anxiety parts, after I have allowed it to just be, I find myself renewed. I find that I don't need to cure it. This is liberating and reflective of how I want my self and my work to show up in the world: being is sometimes the best course and not everything needs fixing.
In a culture that needs a quick fix or just throws a band-aide over a festering wound or is always seeking the newest fad, the most revolutionary thing to do is let it be. I know that this path I am on will lead me to greater possibilities. I know that even though it is occasionally rocky right now in this time and space, it will be different in the future. It is always different for we don't know where the future leads. By simply being, I can respond. I can listen to the nuances and the tiny shifts made over time and adjust my self accordingly. When I am lost in doing, I can't be this response for I cannot hear or feel it.
I am excited to keep on this path. I am glad to have family that is going along on this journey. I believe a tide is turning: people are searching for solutions to societal problems raised by our ever increasing consumerism. The time is now to become that solution. And in the words of Lao Tzu, the solution is to "become the center". For the solution will not be found externally. It can only be found in each one of us.
I am happy to be finding and living my truth, and I am happy to be sharing that truth alongside my family both of choice and of origin. For together as each of us realizes our own personal truths and realize our own center, we are changing the world. And the most beautiful thing about this experiment is that it is rooted in both the personal and collective. For I wouldn't have realized my truth/center without the support of those around me.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Cuisine: The Whirling Berliner
Spices rule my life. Whether it is the rub you smear all over a pork shoulder or the kick of a stimulating debate or the comforting warmth of good friends, spice adds depth, flavor, and robustness to every aspect of life. It is what brings life to cuisine, conversation, and camaraderie!Unfortunately, building up your spice rack in your kitchen is expensive! It takes a good amount of skill and coins to get every ingredient you need for the perfectly spiced recipe. Luckily, The S. Kitchen is here to help for the holidays with three unique flavor combinations that will enhance any spice rack (or lack there of)!
The Whirling Berliner is inspired by my trip to Berlin and the amazing Turkish cuisine I found there. It is the sweetest of the bunch and brings out the earthiness of any meal. It has no salt, so it is perfect for baking. Substitute it for any recipe calling for cloves, nutmeg, or cinnamon.
It is made with black peppercorn, caraway, cardamom, cinnamon, clove, corriander, hot paprika, nutmeg, spearmint, and star anise.
The Whirling Berliner will be available for limited sales over the holiday seasoning. It can only be purchased in person in San Francisco at The S. Kitchen events. The cost is $9 for 2.5 ounces. And you can feel FABULOUS! purchasing them because all proceeds directly benefit the FREE The S. Kitchen events!
Recipes that use The Whirling Berliner will also be posted for free on this website, so your not just buying a spice blend, you are also getting a whole bunch of recipes to use it on!
Labels:
cuisine,
spices,
the whirling berliner
Friday, November 19, 2010
Cuisine: The Curried Cajun
Spices rule my life. Whether it is the rub you smear all over a pork shoulder or the kick of a stimulating debate or the comforting warmth of good friends, spice adds depth, flavor, and robustness to every aspect of life. It is what brings life to cuisine, conversation, and camaraderie!
Unfortunately, building up your spice rack in your kitchen is expensive! It takes a good amount of skill and coins to get every ingredient you need for the perfectly spiced recipe. Luckily, The S. Kitchen is here to help for the holidays with three unique flavor combinations that will enhance any spice rack (or lack there of)!
The Curried Cajun is a mixture of blacked Cajun seasoning and Thai flavors. It has a bit of heat mixed with a tangy sweetness that brings out bold flavors. It is a perfect blend for any recipe calling for curry powder or Cajun seasoning.
It is made with annatto, bay leaves, bittersweet paprika, black peppercorn, chile arbol, cinnamon stick, cumin seed, dried chili pepper, fried garlic, fried onion, ginger powder, lemon herb, oregano, sage, salt, spearmint, thyme, and tumeric.
The Curried Cajun will be available for limited sales over the holiday seasoning. It can only be purchased in person in San Francisco at The S. Kitchen events. The cost is $9 for 2.5 ounces. And you can feel FABULOUS! purchasing them because all proceeds directly benefit the FREE The S. Kitchen events!
Recipes that use The Curried Cajun will also be posted for free on this website, so your not just buying a spice blend, you are also getting a whole bunch of recipes to use it on!
Labels:
cuisine,
spices,
the curried cajun
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Community Conversations: Tina Mahle, Health Initiatives for Youth
Welcome to Community Conversations. In this column, I reflect on meetings I have with organizations, businesses, and public institutions trying to make a change in the world by working together. My goal is to unearth the connections between these conversations. It is my hope that it will lead to more holistic and collaborative programming and services spurred by The S. Kitchen across San Francisco, the Bay Area, California, the United States, and the world.
***
I met with Tina Mahle, Program Manager at Health Initiatives for Youth, last week to discuss what is happening in the landscape of health, wellness, and sex education in the Bay Area. This meeting was a follow up to a conversation I had with her before meeting with the teen librarians of the San Francisco Public Library. I wanted to learn more about what HIFY was up to and what needs she sees in the community.
We met outside the Ferry Building over looking the Bay Bridge on a sunny Thursday. Buoyed by the unusually warm November weather, we decided to tackle needs first. Then, we discussed opportunities and possible barriers. And finally, we wrapped up the conversation focused on personal and organizational visions.
Tina noted that there is a need for spaces that support conflict resolution. She mentioned that we need education about empowerment rooted in a diversity and anti-oppression perspective. She spoke about the lack of safety for people in the community. She also talked about how there are not resources for queer people who are struggling to survive, who find themselves living on the streets. She knows that there a lots of people who have gone through this and come out on the other side, but those stories aren't being shared and folks are not learning from others' struggles.
When the conversation turned to opportunities, Tina mentioned that there are continually dwindling resources for services. She sees opportunities for youth initiatives, where young people are working towards their own goals rather than the goals identified by organizations and funders. And she specifically mentioned that we need to find LGBTQ folks that are not currently connected. She stressed that last point. We know where the stereotypical spaces are -- the Castro, SOMA, bars, etc -- but if people are not in those spaces, we don't know where they are or how to reach them.
Barriers and roadblocks are numerous right now. Tina mentioned that time and money were definitely barriers, but also added that time and money are always barriers. She noted that due to budget restrictions and reductions in grant awards it is becoming harder and hard to get a clear understanding of what people need. Tasks are being consolidated and focused only on meeting grant requirements, and monies for the planning phase and organizational development are disappearing. She also noted that perceptions of organizations and people are getting in the way of getting work done. Organizational leaders are tying the hands of their staff
What struck me most about this conversation is the direct connection between everything: we need more safe spaces that actually BUILD community and don't just HOUSE community. Given current economic realities of shrinking budgets, shifting priorities, and funder-driven outcomes, organizations, and more importantly people in those organizations, are finding themselves looking inward more and more. This is creating a very interesting dynamic, one that is shifting the perception of WHAT non-profit, charity and educational organizations SHOULD be doing and HOW they should be doing it.
This intense reflection is changing people. From what I gathered through this conversation (and other conversations with middle managers), it is helping middle management refocus on who they are in relation to their work. As an example, many of the middle managers in youth programs I have worked with over the course of my 12 years of being in San Francisco, are in their mid-30s or younger. (I'm only 34 and have been doing youth development, event planning, and professional and workforce development [as a paid job] for over 15 years.) This is a generation that has grown up in a differently connected world. It is a generation that came of age during the technological revolution of AOL, Google, the internet, and Facebook. It is a generation that has a different concept of work.
There a too many articles out there today spewing how this generation is apathetic or apolitical or uninvolved or lazy. From my experience, this isn't the case. This is a generation that just doesn't want to support the status quo, doesn't believe that things need to be done the way they have always been done. And it is a generation that is not beholden to a brand loyalty.
In this time of retraction and reflection, this generation is looking differently at service delivery and social change. They are looking inward and trying to figure out what they believe in and how that manifests itself in their place of employment. And they aren't beholden to their organization as THE way to accomplish its mission.
People like Tina are trying to find solutions that are collaborative, reach across communities, and meet the needs of young people. They don't believe that that cause resides in one organization nor do they believe that one person or organization has the solution. They believe that the only way to achieve the goals of a more supportive, caring, and compassionate society, one where our LGBTQ young people are thriving, is to work together.
I couldn't agree more. I believe that the only way out of our current situation is to seek the humanity between us. I am proud to call myself both a friend and colleague of Tina. I know that great things are possible. And I know that together we will!
***
I met with Tina Mahle, Program Manager at Health Initiatives for Youth, last week to discuss what is happening in the landscape of health, wellness, and sex education in the Bay Area. This meeting was a follow up to a conversation I had with her before meeting with the teen librarians of the San Francisco Public Library. I wanted to learn more about what HIFY was up to and what needs she sees in the community.We met outside the Ferry Building over looking the Bay Bridge on a sunny Thursday. Buoyed by the unusually warm November weather, we decided to tackle needs first. Then, we discussed opportunities and possible barriers. And finally, we wrapped up the conversation focused on personal and organizational visions.
Tina noted that there is a need for spaces that support conflict resolution. She mentioned that we need education about empowerment rooted in a diversity and anti-oppression perspective. She spoke about the lack of safety for people in the community. She also talked about how there are not resources for queer people who are struggling to survive, who find themselves living on the streets. She knows that there a lots of people who have gone through this and come out on the other side, but those stories aren't being shared and folks are not learning from others' struggles.
When the conversation turned to opportunities, Tina mentioned that there are continually dwindling resources for services. She sees opportunities for youth initiatives, where young people are working towards their own goals rather than the goals identified by organizations and funders. And she specifically mentioned that we need to find LGBTQ folks that are not currently connected. She stressed that last point. We know where the stereotypical spaces are -- the Castro, SOMA, bars, etc -- but if people are not in those spaces, we don't know where they are or how to reach them.
Barriers and roadblocks are numerous right now. Tina mentioned that time and money were definitely barriers, but also added that time and money are always barriers. She noted that due to budget restrictions and reductions in grant awards it is becoming harder and hard to get a clear understanding of what people need. Tasks are being consolidated and focused only on meeting grant requirements, and monies for the planning phase and organizational development are disappearing. She also noted that perceptions of organizations and people are getting in the way of getting work done. Organizational leaders are tying the hands of their staff
What struck me most about this conversation is the direct connection between everything: we need more safe spaces that actually BUILD community and don't just HOUSE community. Given current economic realities of shrinking budgets, shifting priorities, and funder-driven outcomes, organizations, and more importantly people in those organizations, are finding themselves looking inward more and more. This is creating a very interesting dynamic, one that is shifting the perception of WHAT non-profit, charity and educational organizations SHOULD be doing and HOW they should be doing it.
This intense reflection is changing people. From what I gathered through this conversation (and other conversations with middle managers), it is helping middle management refocus on who they are in relation to their work. As an example, many of the middle managers in youth programs I have worked with over the course of my 12 years of being in San Francisco, are in their mid-30s or younger. (I'm only 34 and have been doing youth development, event planning, and professional and workforce development [as a paid job] for over 15 years.) This is a generation that has grown up in a differently connected world. It is a generation that came of age during the technological revolution of AOL, Google, the internet, and Facebook. It is a generation that has a different concept of work.
There a too many articles out there today spewing how this generation is apathetic or apolitical or uninvolved or lazy. From my experience, this isn't the case. This is a generation that just doesn't want to support the status quo, doesn't believe that things need to be done the way they have always been done. And it is a generation that is not beholden to a brand loyalty.
In this time of retraction and reflection, this generation is looking differently at service delivery and social change. They are looking inward and trying to figure out what they believe in and how that manifests itself in their place of employment. And they aren't beholden to their organization as THE way to accomplish its mission.
People like Tina are trying to find solutions that are collaborative, reach across communities, and meet the needs of young people. They don't believe that that cause resides in one organization nor do they believe that one person or organization has the solution. They believe that the only way to achieve the goals of a more supportive, caring, and compassionate society, one where our LGBTQ young people are thriving, is to work together.
I couldn't agree more. I believe that the only way out of our current situation is to seek the humanity between us. I am proud to call myself both a friend and colleague of Tina. I know that great things are possible. And I know that together we will!
Cuisine: Cowboys in India
Spices rule my life. Whether it is the rub you smear all over a pork shoulder or the kick of a stimulating debate or the comforting warmth of good friends, spice adds depth, flavor, and robustness to every aspect of life. It is what brings life to cuisine, conversation, and camaraderie!
Unfortunately, building up your spice rack in your kitchen is expensive! It takes a good amount of skill and coins to get every ingredient you need for the perfectly spiced recipe. Luckily, The S. Kitchen is here to help for the holidays with three unique flavor combinations that will enhance any spice rack (or lack there of)!
First up is Cowboys in India, which brings south India into the American southwest. It packs a punch and ends with the tasty zest of mango powder and the smoky smoothness of fenugreek. It is a wonderful substitute for any recipe calling for Southwest Seasoning or Garam Masala.
It is made with black peppercorn, black salt, chile arbol, cumin seed, fenugreek, fried garlic, hot paprika, mango powder, oregano, salt, and star anise.
Cowboys in India will be available for limited sales over the holiday seasoning. It can only be purchased in person in San Francisco at The S. Kitchen events. The cost is $9 for 2.5 ounces. And you can feel FABULOUS! purchasing them because all proceeds directly benefit the FREE The S. Kitchen events!
Recipes that use Cowboys in India will also be posted for free on this website, so your not just buying a spice blend, you are also getting a whole bunch of recipes to use it on!
Labels:
cowboys in india,
cuisine,
spices
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Community Conversations: Abby Jaramillo and Audrey Roderick, Urban Sprouts
Welcome to Community Conversations. In this column, I reflect on meetings I have with organizations, businesses, and public institutions trying to make a change in the world by working together. My goal is to unearth the connections between these conversations. It is my hope that it will lead to more holistic and collaborative programming and services spurred by The S. Kitchen across San Francisco, the Bay Area, California, the United States, and the world.
***
Last week, I met with the fabulous people at Urban Sprouts. I have worked alongside and with Executive Director and founder Abby Jaramillo for over five years now. Abby and her team are doing amazing work bringing gardens and garden education into public schools in San Francisco. Currently, they have programming at six schools including June Jordan Small School for Equity, Martin Luther King Middle School, Ida B. Wells Continuation High School, International Studies Academy, Aptos Middle School, and Log Cabin Ranch (a juvenile detention facility).
I met with Audrey Roderick and Abby to discuss possible collaborations between The S. Kitchen and Urban Sprouts. Urban Sprouts was our guestpert for Slowly Growing Green in May 2010 with hosts Jennifer C. and Huckleberry G., so we already had a point of connection between our work. We wanted to find other ways to build upon that connection and increase both scope and depth of our respective work.
The S. Kitchen originally had scheduled a field trip to Urban Sprouts for Sunday, November 7th. We were going to go to their garden at June Jordan and help with weeding and seeding. It was going to be a marvelous day of service, fun, and skill development. Unfortunately, the Bay Area weather decided to turn, and it was gloomy, gray, and incredibly rainy, so we had to take a rain check.
Urban Sprouts is succeeding greatly in their garden-based education services. After six years of service, Abby and her team have transformed the social environment around students encouraging them to play in the dirt, learn about environmentalism and nutrition, and build leadership skills through caring for a garden. They have pulled together how to's related to setting up and running garden-based activities for youth. They have created and researched a usable gardening model able to be applied in any setting. It is rooted in creating behavior change in young people and communities, meaningful participation and leadership of learners, engaging parents at the school to learn more about nutrition and gardening, and creating strong, health, and sustainable partnerships between the community and the school. Together these practices yield amazing. Over the 2008-2009 school year,
Part of getting that advocacy off the ground is reaching parents. Currently, Urban Sprouts strategy has been to work with school's Parent-Teacher Associations. Unfortunately, attendance at PTA meetings at their partner schools is dismal. They need to find another way to connect to parents in the community and bring them back into the school. This is a larger challenge for the organization because given current capacity finding those parents is time and resource intensive, something they don't currently have as they continue to provide excellent services directly to youth.
They are also looking for cooking classes that can bring people together. Their focus is on the garden, not on cooking. They have learned that people love cooking classes, and they always draw larger numbers. They want to increase these classes, so they can continue to grow their audience.
From The S. Kitchen's perspective, we want to support and help grow Urban Sprouts impact and reach within the community because they are providing crucial services to the community that directly impact the success of The S. Kitchen. A more educated population regarding nutrition, garden-to-table systems, and food access will directly result in healthier cuisine, a different conversation, and deeper camaraderie at our potluck dinner parties for a cause. The S. Kitchen needs Urban Sprouts. We are two pieces of a complex puzzle that will change our ecology.
To this aim, The S. Kitchen will be sponsoring The S. Kitchen presents...A Year in Review on Wednesday, December 29th at 6pm (more information including a registration page coming soon.) This event will be the first ever FUNDRAISER from The S. Kitchen. The event, like all The S. Kitchen presents... events, will be free to attend. I will be asking attendees to bring their checkbooks.
A Year in Review will bring back past guestperts, including Urban Sprouts and OutLook Theater Project, in an effort to raise money collaboratively. (Please click here to read a post from me titled Become Wheat: An Open Letter to Non-Profit Executive and Development Directors). It will be an opportunity to practice the philosophy of Become Wheat in a new manner, one that values collaboration over competition.
The S. Kitchen will also be hosting a Field Trip to Urban Sprouts in January 2010. It will be an opportunity to see what Urban Sprouts does and get your hands dirty.
Last, The S. Kitchen will continue these Community Conversations always seeking ways to connect efforts. I know that together we can and we will transform our selves and our communities and our world.
If you would know of resources to help Urban Sprouts meet their needs, please list them in the comments below. All comments will be shared with Abby and Audrey.
***
Last week, I met with the fabulous people at Urban Sprouts. I have worked alongside and with Executive Director and founder Abby Jaramillo for over five years now. Abby and her team are doing amazing work bringing gardens and garden education into public schools in San Francisco. Currently, they have programming at six schools including June Jordan Small School for Equity, Martin Luther King Middle School, Ida B. Wells Continuation High School, International Studies Academy, Aptos Middle School, and Log Cabin Ranch (a juvenile detention facility).I met with Audrey Roderick and Abby to discuss possible collaborations between The S. Kitchen and Urban Sprouts. Urban Sprouts was our guestpert for Slowly Growing Green in May 2010 with hosts Jennifer C. and Huckleberry G., so we already had a point of connection between our work. We wanted to find other ways to build upon that connection and increase both scope and depth of our respective work.
The S. Kitchen originally had scheduled a field trip to Urban Sprouts for Sunday, November 7th. We were going to go to their garden at June Jordan and help with weeding and seeding. It was going to be a marvelous day of service, fun, and skill development. Unfortunately, the Bay Area weather decided to turn, and it was gloomy, gray, and incredibly rainy, so we had to take a rain check.
Urban Sprouts is succeeding greatly in their garden-based education services. After six years of service, Abby and her team have transformed the social environment around students encouraging them to play in the dirt, learn about environmentalism and nutrition, and build leadership skills through caring for a garden. They have pulled together how to's related to setting up and running garden-based activities for youth. They have created and researched a usable gardening model able to be applied in any setting. It is rooted in creating behavior change in young people and communities, meaningful participation and leadership of learners, engaging parents at the school to learn more about nutrition and gardening, and creating strong, health, and sustainable partnerships between the community and the school. Together these practices yield amazing. Over the 2008-2009 school year,
- Urban Sprouts assisted four of their partner schools in expanding their gardens;
- 716 students participated in Urban Sprouts core garden education programs;
- 12 youth leaders were developed through Urban Sprouts internship program;
- Urban Sprouts partnered with The Garden for the Environment to teach a two-week summer gardening class to 26 youth.
- 74% of students in their classroom and summer programs stating that their eating habits improved during the program;
- Students caring more about environmental issues than they did before; 54% of focus group responses indicated that the student cared more about the environment than previously.
- Students saying that their fruit and vegetable consumption increased; 70% of responses indicated that students eat more fruits and vegetables than previously.
Part of getting that advocacy off the ground is reaching parents. Currently, Urban Sprouts strategy has been to work with school's Parent-Teacher Associations. Unfortunately, attendance at PTA meetings at their partner schools is dismal. They need to find another way to connect to parents in the community and bring them back into the school. This is a larger challenge for the organization because given current capacity finding those parents is time and resource intensive, something they don't currently have as they continue to provide excellent services directly to youth.
They are also looking for cooking classes that can bring people together. Their focus is on the garden, not on cooking. They have learned that people love cooking classes, and they always draw larger numbers. They want to increase these classes, so they can continue to grow their audience.
From The S. Kitchen's perspective, we want to support and help grow Urban Sprouts impact and reach within the community because they are providing crucial services to the community that directly impact the success of The S. Kitchen. A more educated population regarding nutrition, garden-to-table systems, and food access will directly result in healthier cuisine, a different conversation, and deeper camaraderie at our potluck dinner parties for a cause. The S. Kitchen needs Urban Sprouts. We are two pieces of a complex puzzle that will change our ecology.
To this aim, The S. Kitchen will be sponsoring The S. Kitchen presents...A Year in Review on Wednesday, December 29th at 6pm (more information including a registration page coming soon.) This event will be the first ever FUNDRAISER from The S. Kitchen. The event, like all The S. Kitchen presents... events, will be free to attend. I will be asking attendees to bring their checkbooks.
A Year in Review will bring back past guestperts, including Urban Sprouts and OutLook Theater Project, in an effort to raise money collaboratively. (Please click here to read a post from me titled Become Wheat: An Open Letter to Non-Profit Executive and Development Directors). It will be an opportunity to practice the philosophy of Become Wheat in a new manner, one that values collaboration over competition.
The S. Kitchen will also be hosting a Field Trip to Urban Sprouts in January 2010. It will be an opportunity to see what Urban Sprouts does and get your hands dirty.
Last, The S. Kitchen will continue these Community Conversations always seeking ways to connect efforts. I know that together we can and we will transform our selves and our communities and our world.
If you would know of resources to help Urban Sprouts meet their needs, please list them in the comments below. All comments will be shared with Abby and Audrey.
Labels:
community conversations,
urban sprouts
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Community Conversations: Teen Librarians, San Francisco Public Library
Welcome to a new column here at The S. Kitchen called Community Conversations. In this column, I reflect on meetings I have with organizations, businesses, and public institutions trying to make a change in the world by working together. My goal is to unearth the connections between these conversations. It is my hope that it will lead to more holistic and collaborative programming and services spurred by The S. Kitchen across San Francisco, the Bay Area, California, the United States, and the world.
***
I recently met with the teen librarians of the San Francisco Public Library. I was invited to the meeting to present on The S. Kitchen and what services I could offer the library by The S. Kitchen fan and host Jennifer Collins, Teen Services manager. When we were discussing the meeting, I stated that I don't have any "thing" to offer other than some questions. I don't really do pre-packaged services. I don't believe that it is the best approach when trying to build audience or when trying to provide public services on behalf of a public institution. She invited me any ways because she knew there was something I could offer: a different perspective.
My belief in not doing pre-packaged programming stems mostly from my work with San Francisco Unified School District and San Francisco's Department of Children, Youth, and Their Families and my deep background in youth development and adult learning andragogies. Through my work, I have discovered that the best and most sustainable services are services that meet needs, whether those needs be the needs of the consumer, the participant, the funder, the city charter, the institution, or any combination therein. Now, this isn't rocket science, but it is amazing to me how many people don't know what their needs are nor how to find out about the needs of others.
Before my meeting, I reached out to Tina Mahle at Health Initiatives for Youth (HIFY) and former The S. Kitchen guestpert. I wanted to find out what HIFY was up to because I had a gut feeling that there might be some opportunities there. I don't know why my gut said call Tina; it just did. It was lucky that I did.
When we spoke on the phone, Tina told me about the need for services for LGBTQIQ, transitional age, homeless youth. She said that services, especially health services, for this population are crucial in the City and that there definitely are not enough of them. She said that this population needs someone to meet them where they are at and provide relevant meaningful involvement in service delivery. With my background, I knew what she said was true: everyone needs to feel like they belong somewhere.
This information helped form the basis for my "presentation". I decided that the best way for me to frame this meeting was about meeting the needs of LGBTQIQ, transitional age, and/or homeless youth. I wanted to know what the librarians knew about these populations and how they were currently engaging them. I also wanted to know what worked best for the librarians in terms of community partnerships.
I showed up to the meeting with a smile and some spices. I opened the meeting by setting the context for why I was there: to listen and learn. I then shared the insights I learned from Tina at HIFY ending with, "What do you know about these populations and how are you currently working with them?"
The librarians jumped right in. They were hungry to talk about audience and program development. They rattled off a great list of organizations they know in San Francisco that worked with these populations and are somehow connected to the library. They mentioned the gay-straight alliance at John O'Connell High School where they do book readings, Larkin Street Youth Center who brings groups of teens to the library, Roaddawgz who serve homeless youth. But they acknowledged that it still wasn't enough, that they still wanted to find new ways to engage these populations and more.
Noticing that the librarians loved to talk and share, I then asked, "What do you need from a community partner for effective collaboration?" Again, they jumped in. They need the organizations to bring people, to respond to emails, to answer phone calls, to provide some sort of service. They mentioned that they need support to find a common jumping off point so that everyone can share ideas and then follow through to provide something meaningful. It was delicious to hear directly from the librarians about what they need.
We then talked about the ways in which the library currently goes about its programming. Most librarians work between two branches. This is difficult for them because each branch is unique and has a diverse set of needs. It creates challenges in timing and scheduling. It also feels like more than double the work. So librarians rely on getting out into the community to do outreach at events or provide some off site programming on behalf of the library. This takes them away from their branch, which has an additional averse affect on scheduling. It is a complicated puzzle that seems to be getting more complicated.
Then I was asked (and I am paraphrasing here), "What can you bring?"
I replied that I can be a bridge between the community organizations and the San Francisco Public Library. That I can listen and hear what others are doing in the community and find opportunities and a mechanism, based on "potluck dinner parties for a cause", to connect them to the library. That I can act as a conduit, a facilitator, a host. I also said I will take things slow because to do this takes time. It is about relationships and building trust among people and that does not happen quickly if we want it to be sustainable.
Upon hearing this, the librarians were thrilled. Too often, organizations/presenters come in offering a two hour workshop (or something of that nature) that is for sale. It is a comic book workshop or a knitting class or a ______ (fill in the blank). The librarians jump at the opportunity because it looks engaging, is interesting, and/or they need a quick program to fill in programming gaps. This sometimes works, but not always and not often enough. My approach, while lengthier, will build upon the strengths of the librarians while find ways to bring in the community. It is a win-win for everyone.
As we were finishing up our conversation, it was shared with me that the libraries as a whole are embarking on a new focus on health and wellness. They will be doing health promotion throughout all departments and all branches. And that the library hosts a database on health and wellness resources.
And...viola! There is a connection. Right there: health and wellness. It is a point shared by The S. Kitchen, Health Initiatives for Youth, and the San Francisco Public Library. I am unsure exactly what will come. But I know that as I engage in these community conversations with other organizations, businesses, and public institutions I will keep my eyes, ears, and heart open to hear what others are working on in this arena. And I will find those points.
Next, I just need to connect them. And the best way to do that is: cuisine, conversation, and camaraderie through potluck dinner parties for a cause. Because who doesn't love to share a tasty meal?
***
If you know of resources on health and wellness that you would like to make sure the San Francisco Public Library gets connected to, please share it in the comments. I will be sharing all comments as well as this Community Conversation with the teen librarians.
***
I recently met with the teen librarians of the San Francisco Public Library. I was invited to the meeting to present on The S. Kitchen and what services I could offer the library by The S. Kitchen fan and host Jennifer Collins, Teen Services manager. When we were discussing the meeting, I stated that I don't have any "thing" to offer other than some questions. I don't really do pre-packaged services. I don't believe that it is the best approach when trying to build audience or when trying to provide public services on behalf of a public institution. She invited me any ways because she knew there was something I could offer: a different perspective.My belief in not doing pre-packaged programming stems mostly from my work with San Francisco Unified School District and San Francisco's Department of Children, Youth, and Their Families and my deep background in youth development and adult learning andragogies. Through my work, I have discovered that the best and most sustainable services are services that meet needs, whether those needs be the needs of the consumer, the participant, the funder, the city charter, the institution, or any combination therein. Now, this isn't rocket science, but it is amazing to me how many people don't know what their needs are nor how to find out about the needs of others.
Before my meeting, I reached out to Tina Mahle at Health Initiatives for Youth (HIFY) and former The S. Kitchen guestpert. I wanted to find out what HIFY was up to because I had a gut feeling that there might be some opportunities there. I don't know why my gut said call Tina; it just did. It was lucky that I did.
When we spoke on the phone, Tina told me about the need for services for LGBTQIQ, transitional age, homeless youth. She said that services, especially health services, for this population are crucial in the City and that there definitely are not enough of them. She said that this population needs someone to meet them where they are at and provide relevant meaningful involvement in service delivery. With my background, I knew what she said was true: everyone needs to feel like they belong somewhere.
This information helped form the basis for my "presentation". I decided that the best way for me to frame this meeting was about meeting the needs of LGBTQIQ, transitional age, and/or homeless youth. I wanted to know what the librarians knew about these populations and how they were currently engaging them. I also wanted to know what worked best for the librarians in terms of community partnerships.
I showed up to the meeting with a smile and some spices. I opened the meeting by setting the context for why I was there: to listen and learn. I then shared the insights I learned from Tina at HIFY ending with, "What do you know about these populations and how are you currently working with them?"
The librarians jumped right in. They were hungry to talk about audience and program development. They rattled off a great list of organizations they know in San Francisco that worked with these populations and are somehow connected to the library. They mentioned the gay-straight alliance at John O'Connell High School where they do book readings, Larkin Street Youth Center who brings groups of teens to the library, Roaddawgz who serve homeless youth. But they acknowledged that it still wasn't enough, that they still wanted to find new ways to engage these populations and more.
Noticing that the librarians loved to talk and share, I then asked, "What do you need from a community partner for effective collaboration?" Again, they jumped in. They need the organizations to bring people, to respond to emails, to answer phone calls, to provide some sort of service. They mentioned that they need support to find a common jumping off point so that everyone can share ideas and then follow through to provide something meaningful. It was delicious to hear directly from the librarians about what they need.
We then talked about the ways in which the library currently goes about its programming. Most librarians work between two branches. This is difficult for them because each branch is unique and has a diverse set of needs. It creates challenges in timing and scheduling. It also feels like more than double the work. So librarians rely on getting out into the community to do outreach at events or provide some off site programming on behalf of the library. This takes them away from their branch, which has an additional averse affect on scheduling. It is a complicated puzzle that seems to be getting more complicated.
Then I was asked (and I am paraphrasing here), "What can you bring?"
I replied that I can be a bridge between the community organizations and the San Francisco Public Library. That I can listen and hear what others are doing in the community and find opportunities and a mechanism, based on "potluck dinner parties for a cause", to connect them to the library. That I can act as a conduit, a facilitator, a host. I also said I will take things slow because to do this takes time. It is about relationships and building trust among people and that does not happen quickly if we want it to be sustainable.
Upon hearing this, the librarians were thrilled. Too often, organizations/presenters come in offering a two hour workshop (or something of that nature) that is for sale. It is a comic book workshop or a knitting class or a ______ (fill in the blank). The librarians jump at the opportunity because it looks engaging, is interesting, and/or they need a quick program to fill in programming gaps. This sometimes works, but not always and not often enough. My approach, while lengthier, will build upon the strengths of the librarians while find ways to bring in the community. It is a win-win for everyone.
As we were finishing up our conversation, it was shared with me that the libraries as a whole are embarking on a new focus on health and wellness. They will be doing health promotion throughout all departments and all branches. And that the library hosts a database on health and wellness resources.
And...viola! There is a connection. Right there: health and wellness. It is a point shared by The S. Kitchen, Health Initiatives for Youth, and the San Francisco Public Library. I am unsure exactly what will come. But I know that as I engage in these community conversations with other organizations, businesses, and public institutions I will keep my eyes, ears, and heart open to hear what others are working on in this arena. And I will find those points.
Next, I just need to connect them. And the best way to do that is: cuisine, conversation, and camaraderie through potluck dinner parties for a cause. Because who doesn't love to share a tasty meal?
***
If you know of resources on health and wellness that you would like to make sure the San Francisco Public Library gets connected to, please share it in the comments. I will be sharing all comments as well as this Community Conversation with the teen librarians.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Associated Content: Potluck Dinner Parties for a Cause in the MIssion
The S. Kitchen is in the news! Yippee!! Check out this fabulous article that appears on Associated Content:
Something new is brewing in the Mission District. Jason Wyman of The S. Kitchen created a chic and eco-friendly business model sparked from wanting to cook better. He hosted elaborate dinner parties initially focused on global cuisines, later translated into potluck dinner parties for social awareness.
Continue reading.
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Saturday, November 6, 2010
Cuisine: Coming Soon: The S. Kitchen Spices
I love, love, love spices. When John and I went to Berlin to visit our friends Daniel and Tomas, I bought so many regional spices that we had to buy an extra suitcase just to fit everything. There was a Turkish turmeric that just danced on my tongue, five different varieties of paprika (my absolute FAVORITE spice because most folks just brush it off -- I always love the underdog), a white pepper that is better than any black pepper I have had in the United States, and a dried leafy green coriander, which I've never found stateside either (you can find coriander seeds and fresh coriander -- aka cilantro). When you visit our home the second thing you notice (after the 1000s of cds adorning our apartment) is the shelves and shelves of spices. Spice rules my life and my cooking palate.I also know that building up your spice rack is expensive. So for the holidays, I am starting a new enterprise, The S. Kitchen SPICES, that will bring the complexity of my spice cabinet into your home for a reasonable cost.
I am crafting three unique flavor combinations based on my love of blending global cuisines to create new taste palates. The first is The Curried Cajun, a mixture of blacked seasoning and Thai curry flavors. It has a bit of heat mixed with a tangy sweetness that brings out bold flavors. The second is Cowboys in India, bringing south India into the American southwest. It packs a punch and ends with the tasty zest of mango powder and the smoky smoothness of fenugreek. The last is The Whirling Berliner, inspired by my trip to Berlin and the amazing Turkish cuisine I can't find here. It is the sweetest of the bunch and brings out the earthiness of any meal.
The S. Kitchen flavors will be available for purchase starting on Sunday, November 21st at The S. Kitchen presents... Addictive Abundance at the Intellectuals' Table. (Click the link to RSVP! It's the only way to get the hidden location!) They will be $9 for 2.5 ounces. I know it seems a little expensive, but all proceeds directly benefit the FREE The S. Kitchen programming. (A girls gotta find some cash somewhere to keep these event going!)
Additionally, recipes using all of The Spiced Kitchen combinations will be available online starting November 22nd. There will be everything ranging from vegan dishes to meat stews to spiced desserts. And it will continue to grow through the years!
The S. Kitchen Spices makes a lovely gift for the holiday season. All jars are beautifully designed and come wrapped ready to give.
More information will be coming soon (including a list of ingredients -- but not the spice recipe!) If you would like to learn more or would like to purchase one of The S. Kitchen Spices blends, please contact my at queerlycomplex@gmail.com.
As of now, The Spiced Kitchen will only be available in the San Francisco Bay Area. There are hopes that if this goes well, it will expand through online sales.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Camaraderie: Play On! Recap from Noel
by : Noel Fagerhaugh
Even though I am a self proclaimed "non-sports" person, I decided to attend the S-Kitchen's event Play On! Knowing that Jason himself was not into sports gave me a little peace of mind; I would at least have one other person there with whom to share my snarky quips. I also knew from past S Kitchen events that the quality of both food and conversation would be high, at least I hoped.
We arrived under the high domed lid of fog that often covers the nieghborhood off Cesar Chavez. I didn't realize until we were greeted by the host and hostess that wearing orange and black meant you were showing team spirit. Even Jason had dressed for the Giants! As it turns out, only one other guest and myself were attired incorrectly, yet we were still made to feel welcomed.
It's been over 15 years since I've sat down and watched a whole sporting event and I was careful to keep my anti-competition, anti-capitalism comments to myself. I only slipped once, and this was to ask how much the seats behind the dugout sold for during these games. Apparently, alot! I was surprised to catch myself getting into the game along with the orange and black clad guests around me. I was cheering and critiquing along with the rest. Highlights for me were Alec's homerun dance in front of the big screen when the Giants scored and the pumpkin bread still warm from someone's oven. We were fed steaming stew and a seven layer dip you could drown happy in. On commercial breaks we learned of the good works being done by so many to inform, inspire and instigate change in the world. While I am not running out to buy season tickets to anything involving sweat and balls, I had a great time and am grateful for Jason, the S Kitchen and all who participate in this thing called Life.
No Contest: The Case Against Competition by Alfie Kohn
Even though I am a self proclaimed "non-sports" person, I decided to attend the S-Kitchen's event Play On! Knowing that Jason himself was not into sports gave me a little peace of mind; I would at least have one other person there with whom to share my snarky quips. I also knew from past S Kitchen events that the quality of both food and conversation would be high, at least I hoped.
We arrived under the high domed lid of fog that often covers the nieghborhood off Cesar Chavez. I didn't realize until we were greeted by the host and hostess that wearing orange and black meant you were showing team spirit. Even Jason had dressed for the Giants! As it turns out, only one other guest and myself were attired incorrectly, yet we were still made to feel welcomed.
It's been over 15 years since I've sat down and watched a whole sporting event and I was careful to keep my anti-competition, anti-capitalism comments to myself. I only slipped once, and this was to ask how much the seats behind the dugout sold for during these games. Apparently, alot! I was surprised to catch myself getting into the game along with the orange and black clad guests around me. I was cheering and critiquing along with the rest. Highlights for me were Alec's homerun dance in front of the big screen when the Giants scored and the pumpkin bread still warm from someone's oven. We were fed steaming stew and a seven layer dip you could drown happy in. On commercial breaks we learned of the good works being done by so many to inform, inspire and instigate change in the world. While I am not running out to buy season tickets to anything involving sweat and balls, I had a great time and am grateful for Jason, the S Kitchen and all who participate in this thing called Life.
No Contest: The Case Against Competition by Alfie Kohn
Labels:
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dinner party,
noel f,
play on,
sports
Monday, November 1, 2010
Camaraderie: Dark City Recap from Kailani
The S. Kitchen’s celebrated San Francisco’s favorite holiday with Dark City, a Halloween cocktail and birthday party (happy b-days Jen, Huck, and John) on Friday, October 22nd. We blacked out the windows of Jason and John’s home and decorated with silver confetti and candles. The theme may have been “dark,” but the mood was lit up by colorful costumes, from Popeye and Olive Oil to the Devil and a flapper.
Unlike other kitchens, Dark City was a cocktail party and not about food, though Jason and I did make the salsa (recipe coming soon!). My mother, though, loves Halloween fun food and spent all day making “toxic” jello shots and “dirty” cupcakes with gummy worms.
My friends and I spent most of the night on the back porch. It was cool, like San Francisco nights are, but we enjoyed talking and laughing with old and new friends. We were the youngest ones at the party, but it was fun meeting new people and seeing all the great costumes.
Labels:
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