• Events

  • UCC January Book Club on 1/26

When: Sunday, January 26th from 2pm - 3:30pm
Where: Urban Core Collective located at 413 Hall St SE #1, Grand Rapids, MI 49507
Food: Light snacks will be provided

Please sign up here if you would like to attend.

The book of the month is Emergent Strategy by adrienne maree brown. If you already have a copy, feel free to read as much of it as you like—whether it’s the whole book or just a chapter. You can listen to it for free on YouTube here: Emergent Strategy Playlist.

Come prepared to share your insights by reflecting on these questions:

  • How can the ideas in Emergent Strategy apply to our work as organizers or community members?
  • Did the book introduce new tools, strategies, or mindsets that could help you or your community?
  • What lessons or practices from the book do you think more people need to know?
  • Were there moments in the book that connected to your personal experiences?

During the meeting, we’ll break into small groups to discuss our insights. You might want to think about:

  • A key takeaway from the book.
  • A question or challenge you encountered while reading.
  • An idea you’re excited to explore further with the group.
5 days later

Summary of the Discussion on Emergent Strategy

Key Themes and Takeaways:

  • Biomimicry: Reflecting on patterns and insights from nature, such as how trees experience time or the interconnectedness of ecosystems.
  • Fractals: Recognizing that small-scale changes within ourselves can scale to larger transformations in our communities and organizations.
  • Change Begins with Self: Applying fractal thinking and focusing on what’s within our sphere of influence rather than feeling overwhelmed by the desire to fix everything at once.
  • Human-Centered Design: Exploring how language detaches us from nature and brainstorming ways to restore that connection through words, actions, and reflection.
  • Urgency vs. Slowing Down: Balancing the need for action with the importance of intentional, slower processes that nurture sustainable growth.
  • Imagination: The power of imagination in shaping the world we live in:
  • Whose imagination are we living in?
  • How do we give people concepts and tools to apply their own ideas to their lives and communities?

Tips on Personal Responsibility, Mindset Shifting, and Facing Challenges:

  • Writing down and reflecting on personal values.
  • Developing affirmations and frameworks to live in alignment with those values.
  • Reframing our inner narratives to foster self-compassion and growth.
  • Naming what we feel and limiting our focus to what we can control.
  • Extending empathy and curiosity when others react emotionally, asking “Why?” instead of responding with judgment.
  • Accountability as a practice: Holding up a “red flag” to ourselves and reflecting on our readiness to stop harm.
  • Reframing thoughts to capture peace and protect ourselves from negative energy.
  • Being aware of what we expose ourselves to (people, news, social media, etc) and how it influences our well-being.
  • Practicing empathy and recognizing that everyone has different access to information and experiences.

Books and Resources Mentioned

  • Listen to Emergent Strategy for Free: Emergent Strategy Playlist
  • The Lightmaker’s Manifesto by Karen Walrond
  • Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert
  • The Light We Give by Simran Jeet Singh
  • Think Again by Adam Grant
  • NVC: Nonviolent Approach to Communication by Marshall Rosenberg

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