Workshop wrap-up: Equity-Centered Community Design with CRXLAB
Building humility and empathy, inviting diverse co-creators, dismantling power constructs, and redesigning for justice were the topics of discussion during a workshop hosted by One Waterfront and facilitated by Creative Reaction Lab (CRXLAB) on Tuesday.
Above: CRXLab's Table of Collaboration (click for PDF)
CRXLAB, a nationally recognized nonprofit, is dedicated to a new model for community engagement, problem solving and creating inclusive and equitable outcomes. Through outreach, virtual learning, and workshops, their team is working to create an intergenerational movement of Redesigners for Justice through their framework of Equity-Centered Community Design (ECCD).
“As a critical piece of The Trustees’ ongoing commitment to creating and protecting One Waterfront for all to enjoy, we are examining our roles as place makers,” explains Nick Black, Managing Director of the Boston Waterfront Initiative. “This workshop was a valuable opportunity to learn about the fundamentals of ECCD as led by CRXLAB. The learning doesn’t stop here, and we look forward to continuing to engage in these discussions and making ECCD a central component of our work.”
Tuesday’s interactive four-hour virtual workshop challenged participants to examine several questions: What are the roles of identity, power, and equity in community-centered collaboration? How might we design more equitable communities and systems through the lens of personal and organizational humility-building?
In considering these questions, participants examined both their personal and professional roles by: defining key terms; learning the fundamentals of the ECCD framework; reflecting on identity and perspective; defining the power of oneself and team dynamics in supporting authentic community-led change; and examining how to apply ECCD strategies and practices to address real-world community challenges more equitably.
There is no clear “beginning and end” to the process of centering equity in this work, CRXLAB moderators stressed—the goal should not be process adoption, but rather, a mindset shift. Examining and being conscious of decisions and processes is key, to ensure they do not perpetuate inequities and power differentials. Consider who is at the table with decision-making power—and why. Who should be?
Workshop attendees to the Tuesday session included members of The Trustees Boston Waterfront Initiative team, local partner non-profit organizations, and representatives from the City of Boston and Massport.
The next event hosted by One Waterfront, which is free and open to all, will take place online on September 15 from 6-7:30 p.m. “Designing for equity and engaging diverse communities” will examine real-world examples of practical, effective, and thoughtful community engagement during open space development and programming.
For more information, or to register, visit: https://onewaterfront.thetrustees.org/speaker-series.
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To learn more about Creative Reaction Lab, visit: https://www.creativereactionlab.com/about