The key process was preparing students to take a ‘deep dive’ into learning about an unfamiliar community and started uncovering what systems were at play. This process would both get them more engaged in the area, and surface insightful information on who was organizing and working within the area. The students were given an introduction to community organizing theory and tools, safety guidelines, as well as a background in asset mapping. After an evaluation of the pilot with students from Oklahoma City University, we determined it was successful in achieving both of our goals. We continued to partner with several different university professors and students throughout the city. The project was integrated into course curricula - generally as a civic engagement component. Over 200 students participated in the process, and 8 different classes, covering many different fields of study.

After a day full of engaging interchange, Jamie Ponce, of the C40 initiaitve speaking from the unique lens of the Keynote Listener, commented on the days “who, what, when, where, and why”. He spoke to the rich motivation he witnessed of all the participants that attended the event - which stemmed from all different places, like stewardship, community, faith, policy and social justice. He noted the importance of sharing our stories and quoted a participant from earlier in the day: “If we don’t tell our stories, how will anyone know them?”