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Luna Peragine & Rebecca Cisneros & Jackson Skiles
Luna Peragine & Rebecca Cisneros & Jackson Skiles
"Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?” - Martin Luther King Jr.
What is leadership?
What is leadership?
Qualities and Traits of Leadership
- Active citizens
- Compassionate
- Engaged
- Intersectional
- Self Managing
- Commitment to the growth of people
- Communication
- Empathy
- Awareness
- Healing
- Foresight
- Building community
Art & Leadership in Detroit
Art & Leadership in Detroit
Organizations
Organizations
The Heidelberg Project
The Heidelberg Project
During our time at the Heidelberg project, we were given a tour of the property by their amazing staff before cleaning up a bit of debris and sorting through lumber to prepare for one of their upcoming projects. The Heidelberg project promotes the idea of leadership- it is the essence of taking what you have and doing everything you can with it. This world renowned art project takes everyday items that are thrown out or left on the streets and repurposes them into incredibly unique art pieces.
"The Heidelberg Project (“HP”) is an outdoor art environment in the heart of an urban area and a Detroit based community organization with a mission to improve the lives of people and neighborhoods through art."
Beyond Basics
Beyond Basics
Working with Beyond Basics and the 1st through 3rd graders at Nichols Elementary & Middle School as well as the 4th graders at Thrikell Elementary & Middle School was a huge opportunity for us to demonstrate leadership values.
Before we met the kids in Detroit, we held a small book drive in Iowa City which we donated to the organization. We received over 30 books for the kids!
In Detroit, we were given the chance to listen to and talk to these kids- learn more about who they are, where they're from, and about what they were learning in school. We helped them write creative short stories which would later be published into real books.
Working with children can be tricky, their minds are so malleable and curious, and it can be tough to keep them on track- especially when you're just a complete stranger to them- but we all adapted to the situation with ease. It is very important that we as adults establish the right goals and ideas and characteristics in kids by using the proper tone, message, and approach.
"Beyond Basics is a 501(c)(3) student-centered, literacy non-profit, serving students in Detroit public schools since 2002 providing students with literacy by providing reading, tutoring, and supplemental programs – writing, art, mentoring, and partnerships – throughout the school day for students in grades Pre-K through 12. In addition to providing these services, we provide free books to every student and parent that enters our classroom."
Arts & Scraps
Arts & Scraps
At Arts & Scraps, our team was assigned to organize various materials around the shop. We quickly made it through our first task and immediately began dealing with boxes.
This took a lot of team communication as all of the boxes were labeled with shapes- not words.
While serving at Art & Scraps, we shared our work with another Alternative Spring Break team from Wayne State University. The work was tough in and of itself and having a whole other group of students in such a small space was kind of tough as well.
It took us probably 10 minutes to open up and begin connecting with the others.
We showed leadership by working efficiently, maintaining great attitudes, being inclusive.
We definitely represented our school well while serving a great cause.
When we finished working, we all stood around in a large circle and shared our names and why we were on this trip. One answer really stood out to our group.
One man shared that the reason he loved volunteering with Arts & Scraps was because of how big of an impact it had on the community and in the lives of people of all ages.
He expressed that in all of his years volunteering with the organization and working with the same materials, he always saw a new idea- a fresh concept- emerge from the imaginations of different children and that it really showed him how much this truly mattered.
"Arts & Scraps reimagines recycled industrial materials, inspiring people of all ages to think, create and learn. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization located in Detroit and founded in 1989. We connect business, education and community; target audience is children living in low income areas."
Individuals
Individuals
Tyree Guyton
Tyree Guyton
Tyree Guyton is the creator of the Heidelberg Project, the massive art piece mentioned above.
Tyree wasn't around the entire time we worked at the Heidelberg Project, but when he was, he was full of wisdom and questions.
Tyree is a huge leader in his community as he proves day in and day out that nothing is too old or too worn to be put to good use.
Tyree is a great representation of Detroit.
He has brought color and wonder to Detroit's urban blight, transforming his childhood neighborhood into a living indoor/outdoor art museum.
Rachel Zuckerman
Rachel Zuckerman
Rachel is a recent graduate from the University of Iowa. She was highly involved during her undergrad, this including her role as student body president during the 2016-17 school year. As a passionate member of the Detroit community, she took the time to give us a tour of the city, providing us with valuable information on Detroit's history, the changes being made, and what work still needs to be done not just in Detroit, but other similar locations as well.
Our Personal Leadership journeys
Our Personal Leadership journeys
Luna Peragine
Over the course of this trip I learned what being an active citizen meant and the importance of inclusion of education and well as mindful service in my roles in leadership.
Rebecca Cisneros
Participating with HST led me to build upon my strengths and build the courage to do things that I would usually be afraid to do. I learned the true essence of what it means to be an active citizen working with communities. I came back from the trip inspired to take that first step and really get involved with communities.
Jackson Skiles
Before joining HST, I never really knew where to get started with life regarding service. With my experience in Detroit as well as the relationships and memories I've gained, I finally feel confident enough to step up in my community an pursue meaningful leadership roles.
Ways We Can Apply Leadership In Our Daily Lives
Ways We Can Apply Leadership In Our Daily Lives
Get involved - Tyree Guyton said it best, "go where you're afraid to go". If you are passionate about something and want to see change, join an organization and meet other team members who have similar viewpoints.
Encourage others - Motivate individuals to get involved to promote social change, be a role model! The more people that become involved, the bigger the impact that team can make.
Active learning - Always becoming knowledgeable of the what is happening in the world around you and in your community. Things are always changing which means we should never stop learning.
Be the first to start the conversation - If you have something to say, speak up, others may be thinking the same thing and are too afraid to say it. Being fearless of voicing opinions is a respectable leadership quality.
Continuously reflecting on your experiences - We learn most from taking the time to analyze what we see and do within the service we do. Thinking about what we did that was impactful and how we can further improve is important in being a successful leader.
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