Community as an Action Word | Leonardo Williams | TEDxDuke

Key Concepts:

• Community as an action word
• Nourishment as a common denominator
• Natural social assets
• Being "nosy" as caring
• Importance of being nice and patient
• Looking inward for solutions
• Community in action

1. Introduction: The Grocery Store Analogy

• The speaker begins by guiding the audience through a visualization exercise set in a grocery store.
• The purpose is to highlight the inherent "nosiness" we exhibit when observing others' choices and behaviors in a community setting.
• The speaker posits that this "nosiness" can be reframed as caring and a starting point for community engagement.
• The common denominator in the grocery store is nourishment, which connects everyone.

2. Personal Anecdotes: Zoy's Story and Growing Up Poor

• The speaker shares the story of his wife, Zoy, who survived hardship and kidnapping during the civil war from Rhodesia to Zimbabwe as a child, emphasizing the role of food as a lifeline.
• He contrasts this with his own experience of growing up poor but not realizing it due to the community's support.
• These stories illustrate the importance of community action and shared responsibility.

3. Community as an Action Word: The Speaker's Journey

• The speaker emphasizes the concept of "community as an action word," urging the audience to recognize and utilize the natural social assets they possess.
• He recounts his journey from wanting to be a music teacher, inspired by his mother, to becoming one and using that role to connect with students' families and improve their environments.
• He and his wife opened Zoe's Kitchen, a Zimbabwean restaurant, to further contribute to the community.

4. Case Study: The Carbon Monoxide Evacuation

• The speaker details a real-world example of community action following a carbon monoxide leak that forced the evacuation of an entire Durham community.
• He and his wife, along with volunteers, provided 50,000 meals, raised $30,000 in three days, and offered programming for children.
• This initiative demonstrated the power of community members coming together to address a crisis.
• He used Facebook to call for volunteers with "four wheels and a car and a roof over your head" to bring supplies to the restaurant.

5. The "Be Nosy, Be Nice, Be Patient" Framework

• The speaker introduces a three-part framework for community engagement: "Be nosy, be nice, and be patient."
• He argues that these qualities are essential for overcoming division and fostering a sense of unity.
• He emphasizes that it is easier to care for one another than to tear each other apart.

6. Durham's Successes and Challenges

• The speaker, as the mayor of Durham, highlights the city's achievements, including being ranked as a well-run city and a top place for millennials to live.
• He acknowledges ongoing challenges such as homelessness (up 30%), rising housing costs (average home cost $425,000), and violence among young people (ages 14-24).
• He asserts that these issues are solvable through inward focus and community action.
• The city's population is now at 317,000 people.

7. The Mayor as a "Nosy" Listener

• The speaker embraces his role as a "nosy" mayor who listens to the needs of his constituents.
• He encourages everyone to be "nosy" towards their neighbors, emphasizing that this can lead to positive change.

8. Concluding Anecdote: The Grocery Store Encounter

• The speaker shares a personal story of being approached in a grocery store by a woman who expressed appreciation for his work and then playfully inquired about the contents of his cart.
• This encounter reinforces the idea that "nosiness" can be a form of connection and support.

9. Call to Action

• The speaker concludes by urging the audience to take action by being nosy, nice, and patient.
• He emphasizes the importance of looking within the community for solutions and living life with purpose.
• "Don't look up. Don't look out. Look within."

10. Synthesis/Conclusion

The speech advocates for a shift in perspective, viewing community engagement not as an abstract concept but as a series of actionable steps rooted in empathy and a willingness to connect with others. By embracing "nosiness" as a form of caring, practicing kindness, and exercising patience, individuals can tap into the natural social resources within their communities and work together to address challenges and create a more supportive and thriving environment. The speaker uses personal anecdotes, a case study, and a simple framework to illustrate the power of community action and inspire the audience to take an active role in shaping their surroundings.