1/13-1/17 Week in Review
Hello Friends,
Word of the week: Communication
This week, we focused on communication and the 7 C’s of effective communication: Clear, Concise, Concrete, Correct, Courteous, Complete, and Considerate. Through role-playing exercises, fellows practiced using "I" statements in uncomfortable situations, reinforcing the idea that effective communication is a skill we build over time.
In the kitchen with Lissy, our chefs put communication into action while working in a shared space—calling out when handling knives or hot items. It is important to coordinate and communicate when cooking three different meals at the same time! A standout dish was butter chicken recipe and kachumber salad, which quickly became a group favorite—though chicken alfredo now has some serious competition.
Meanwhile, the other half of the fellows spent time at the Pine Street African Burial Ground with Kingston Land Trust, crafting fire cider, a holistic immunity booster—perfect for cold and flu season. They also learned about the rich history of the space and its significance. As the name suggests, this sacred site served as a burial ground for enslaved Africans between the 1700s and mid-1800s. It has been protected by Harambee and the Kingston Land Trust and will be transformed into a community memorial site.
We also visited the Ulster County Archives, where fellows had the chance to tour the facilities and examine historical documents dating back to the 1600s. Many were surprised to realize they had walked or driven past the building without knowing what was inside. Some fellows even got chills while handling certain documents, and it sparked discussions about the challenges of reading cursive—a skill many had never been taught in school. The visit led to meaningful conversations about the importance of archiving, especially regarding whose histories are preserved. The archivists shared insights on how past records often centered only on white landowners, erasing the presence of BIPOC individuals. This discussion left fellows with a deeper understanding of historical documentation and its impact. It also highlighted how communication across generations is shaped by the way history is recorded, interpreted and shared.
In Arts with Aurora, fellows had a hands-on experience with screen printing on fabric, using their own designs and photographs. The workshop provided insight into the step-by-step process of this art form. They transferred their images onto silk screens by rinsing off the light-exposed image, then printed their designs together.
For Table Talk, we welcomed guest Shanique, whom we met through Kingston Land Trust. She shared her journey, working at an alpaca farm, attending Bard College with a full scholarship, nannying for a local lieutenant governor, and her time working at Kingston Land Trust. Shanique also spoke about her next steps and what she’ll be doing next, giving fellows insight into career transitions and the evolving nature of community work. Her stories sparked thoughtful discussions about career paths, adaptability, and the unexpected ways experiences can shape our future.
Hope you can incorporate the 7 C’s of communication this weekend—whether you're navigating a disagreement with a sibling or interacting with a sales associate. Practicing clear, concise, and considerate communication can make all the difference! 😊
Have a good weekend,
Place Corps Team
:)