If there was ever a necessary time to shine a light on the value of the human spirit, it is now. Lucky for KW, the human spirit is blooming in abundance. Okay, relax your critical mind. Obviously, there are many areas with room for improvement in the region, but there has to be good with the bad, right?
The truth is that I am hungry for connection, and not the Wi-Fi kind. The last few years have been such a blessing for my inner introvert—painting, reading, clear calendars, no need to meal plan around busy schedules, watching my daughter grow, and certainly more time outside. However, pushing down my inner extrovert has been damaging. Tears well in my eyes even as I write that truth—I miss humans.
No amount of streaming, phone calls, voice notes or distanced visits replaces the need I have to be with others. A deep void formed during these past two years, and it led me to want to create events for witnessing a dialogue, to participate in discussion and to see other humans eye-to-eye.
Luckily, there are brilliant humans living here who also long to share their time and stories.
Early this June KW Professional Organizers, a company I co-founded, will be hosting four events that put the spotlight on our community members who are creating momentum that oozes hope. The event will feature the first Canadian documentary screening of Together We Grow filmed in Aotearoa a.k.a. New Zealand.
Together We Grow is a 40-minute documentary that tells the inspiring story of a thriving hub helping to build resilience into its local community by cooking, gardening, repairing, healing and connecting. It is a hopeful example of how practical actions like listening deeply, showing up and pitching in where you can, can dramatically impact a community’s overall well-being.
For each screening there will be special guests with their own examples of hope in the community to host discussion following the film. They are activists, volunteers, whistleblowers, project leaders, community role models, gardeners, film makers, and the list goes on.
Special guests include, but are not limited to: Bangishimo and Amy Smoke co-founders of K-W O:se Kenhionhata:tie Land Back Camp, The Working Centre, Nicola Jane Thomas of Grand River Food Forestry, and ComeUnity Roots Garden. If, like me, you are craving a deeper connection from your community or even have something to share, get your ticket today.
Please join us in this one-of-a-kind event that features an introduction by KW Professional Organizers, screening, and interactive Q&A with special guests.
The documentary will be screening from June 7 to 12 at the Princess Cinemas.