Project Summary

A group of elders -- Somali, Mexican, Hmong, Peruvian, and U.S. born people -- will explore the qualities of spaces and practices that invite multi-cultural public participation. We will make these elements explicit and "show" through digital storytelling how barriers can be addressed.

About me

I have long been interested in citizenship understood as public work. Public work assumes that a mix of people work together in public, over a sustained period of time to create things of value. I am a co-founder and remain active on the leadership team (an unpaid position) at JAS, which is itself a public work. In the last decade or so, I, along with others, have helped to articulate a theory of public work that has emerged from various democratic initiatives. I've co-authored two books and multiple articles on democracy, public work, and the importance of place in civic learning. Most recently I co-edited, along with Nan Skelton, Voices of Hope: The Story of the Jane Addams School, a book that includes essays of 12 different JAS writers. I began my career as an occupational therapist, later earned a graduate degree in public health and taught at the College of St. Catherine. I have gradually shifted my attention from health professions to the health of public life. I am an activist and organizer, using the collaborative practices and philosophy of contribution from the JAS experience. In 2001, my colleagues and I launched a neighborhood initiative to support children's learning by creating a culture of learning. It continues to grow as an organizing effort, now expanding to other St. Paul neighborhoods. I consider myself lucky to be surrounded by a group of wise people whose life experiences have strengthened their skills and passion for public life.