“If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together” (African proverb)

The very first event in D.C that my fellows and I attended was the discussion on D.C’s Local Economy, organized by Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED). I am from the Environmental background, so “what is going to be there with this Economy thing for me?” was what I was pondering.

The event was open to all for registration despite limited seats. It was organized outside working hours, with delicious catering in a cozy and antique-looking place called WeWork Wonder Bread Factory. Participants were of all ages, races and professional backgrounds. They were engaged in the group discussions and presentation of different topics (Buying Local, Tax and Incentive, Hiring and Training, etc), all to answer the question of How to boost the local economy of D.C. The World Café exercise afterwards gave participants a chance to hop around and listen to other groups. The ideas and opinions were documented for the authority’s follow-ups. That was it. Simple for a fancy word called ‘participation’, right?

Picture 1, 2: Group discussions

Picture 3, 4: WeWork Wonder Bread Factory

I would not say the event was so special, or the food was so good that attracted the local residents (even though the Nachos were unbelievably delicious, if you ask me). It was a strong belief of both local authorities and residents that community members have every right to have a say and their say matter. Just like that I, who is interested in Environmental issues, learnt from a discussion on local Economy. That successful participation starts from the local understanding of the citizens’ rights to speak out and be answered to. That participation is the key answer to community problems, albeit it is an economic, social or environmental issue. That if you want to move forward sustainably as a community, you need to go together.

Picture credits: Trang Hoang, JL Balagot, Panitda Saiyarod