A Time for Community

Consciously and maybe unconsciously I’ve tried to replicate that community experience in my post-collegiate life as an employee, manager, home owner, and now as an entrepreneur.

When I made the decision at age 17 to attend a college away from home, I realized this would be my first experience living "independently" in a shared space, otherwise known as the dormitory. Despite its occasional dramas, chaos, and emotional roller coasters, there was always something to enjoy about dorm life, primarily the community. Making coffee or lighting the fire for pre-exam all-nighters. Reading poetry aloud in the kitchen. Impromptu sing-alongs at the piano. We were a somewhat eccentric and eclectic bunch.

This month the Michon Boston Group joined the shared-office space community, WeWork.

The work of the Michon Boston Group is about creating experiences to connect storytellers with community for maximum impact. This means working with multiple communities. The business community is part of these engagement activities. For the Zora, Langston & U Walking Tour guests meet neighborhood business owners at Busboys and Poets, Right Proper Brewing Company, and Uprising Muffin Company. Community Cinema brings audiences face-to-face with people and organizations working in their neighborhoods and communitiesand mirroring the themes of the film. The Baking Challenge and other culinary events are building community around food.

Ironically my first day in the shared office felt like the first day of school or on the job. I understand that’s a common feeling. You're a little disoriented until you feel like one of the tribe. All it takes is a few introductions, having coffee in the kitchen and common areas, sharing your goals. Maybe reading a little poetry aloud.

Who’s in?