“There is no power for change greater than a community discovering what it cares about.”
That quote from writer and change theorist Margaret J. Wheatley speaks to Civic Nebraska’s mission of helping to create locally-led change in our streets, schools, and neighborhoods. In that spirit, our Lincoln High School Community Learning Center will create a space to nourish that connection on Thursday, Feb. 6.
Community LINKS Cafe will take place from 6 to 7:30 pm in the Lincoln High cafeteria. The LHS CLC will share a free meal; in return, parents and neighbors can share their thoughts.
“Community LINKS Cafe is an opportunity for connection,” said Chelsea Egenberger, Civic Nebraska’s LHS CLC school community coordinator. “We invite students, families, staff, and community members to use this time and space to simply be with one another. We invite all to gather, share a meal, and then invite them to stay for open conversations.”
No two cafe experiences are alike; they are driven by the conversation of those who are in the room. The community cafe model is a process for knowledge-sharing in which groups intentionally discuss a topic, providing flexibility to shape and guide each conversation.
While most cafes are hosted by parents, the LHS Community LINKS Cafe will highlight leaders in the community, including students and community partners.
Community cafes have become popular connection points at Lincoln’s school-based Community Learning Centers. Cafes are a great way for parents to take on leadership roles and to craft intentional space for connection with other parents.
“With over a dozen cafes happening in schools across Lincoln, we recognize that the high school is a great place to bring together a different kind of audience that includes students, community members, and partners,” Egenberger said.
The Lincoln Northeast High School CLC also is planning to host a community cafe event sometime this spring. Details for the Northeast community to gather for a shared meal will be announced soon, said Erin Voichoski, school community coordinator for Civic Nebraska’s Northeast CLC.
We hope to see you Feb. 6 at Community LINKS Cafe, or at a similar community cafe near you soon!
