Community Building Goes Commando

I have learned in the past couple of months that when you say yes to attend a meeting because they “just really appreciate your input”, that means you have actually committed to working on the project. And when you tell the organizers that you can “help” in a particular area of the project’s execution, this means you will be heading up that committee. Try it, you’ll see.

Anyway, I accidentally volunteered to build a playground. And when I say “build a playground” I don’t mean showing up on the work day and assembling some pre-fabricated pieces. I mean I signed on to “make it happen.” (What could I say? They appreciated my input.) While I’m sure I’ll meet some wonderful people and learn valuable skills (including community building) throughout the process, so far it’s just a source of material.

Picture a dozen adults tasked with choosing playground colors. The organizer pulls out 30 or so metal and plastic samples and tells us we must choose two metal colors and one plastic color–and we must devise three different color combinations. 30 x 2 + 1 to the 3rd power? That’s like infinity, right? I looked at the clock and tried to ignore the growl in my gut.

Almost immediately preferences emerged. Clear factions formulated and soon there developed a rift between The Bolds and The Naturals. Voices of reason tried to steer the color conversation to practical matters like the color’s effect on the temperature of different surfaces. Heated debate about reds vs. yellows vs. greens and browns continued. An old man wondered aloud why we were even building a playground. “Let them play with sticks!”

After much shuffling of metal and plastic samples, two natural color schemes and a combat motif were chosen.

Ahh… I love the smell of community building in the morning.