Each year the Building Creative Communities Conference is held in Colquitt, Georgia. Colquitt is, "a national model for community and economic development through the arts, heritage and culture." More than twenty years ago this small town sponsored a play centered around the stories of its very own community, creating Swamp Gravy: Georgia's Folk-Life Play. This yearly crafted theatrical performance has led to a renaissance of rural community development, essentially transforming this small town. Colquitt is now hosting its 9th annual conference at which it shares with its attendees the power of story, art, and community enrichment.
Over the last six years the College has worked to send a group of students to the conference to take part in this interactive arts and community practice experience. This year, we are hoping to send six undergraduate and graduate students to Colquitt for this unique opportunity. Students are generously provided with tuition waivers to attend the conference by alumna Joy Jinks. The students need your help with food and lodging expenses.
So Why Donate?
Strong communities need involved and caring citizens like social workers. Social workers hold important and active roles in our communities. These social work students have a particular interest in community building through the arts. The Building Creative Communities Conference gives these students a chance to develop skills in arts and community practice. Students also gain professional skills in interdisciplinary collaboration and networking with conference attendees from other professions, states and countries. Your donation directly assists these students in learning valuable skills in community building. Any amount you can give, no matter how small, will help fulfill this exciting education opportunity for these students. Thank you for assisting these students in learning the important and necessary work of building successful communities.
Read About the Experiences of BSW Student Jonathan Nguyen at the 2013 Conference
Building creative communities: Creative connections
by: Jonathan Nguyen (pictured in group photo below, right-center)
On January 31st I turned twenty years old, and on that same day I left the comfort of Tallahassee for the experience of Colquitt, Georgia. Colquitt, Georgia, is a small town in the southwestern part of Georgia, and it has quite the story to tell. A lot of people assume that for a community to be lively and exciting it must be in a large city, or other urban area. Colquitt, Georgia disproves that assumption with simply its murals alone. This town was full of history, rich storytelling potential to tap into, and the passion necessary to form a healthy, creative community. I went to Colquitt not sure of what I might discover, but I left with a rekindled flame for theater, a better understanding of the value of storytelling in community building, and valuable connections with others who share these interests.
The weekend started out with a fantastic performance by the cast of a lovely show commonly called “Swamp Gravy.” I think it is important to mention that the members of this talented cast are residents of this small town and volunteer their time to make Swamp Gravy possible . Swamp Gravy recently celebrated its 20th anniversary.
The next morning my section of the group was delighted with an opportunity to learn the power of storytelling from first-hand experience. We gathered stories from within our group, sorted them out, and then prepared them in a theatrical way synonymous to Swamp Gravy, but of course nowhere near as good. It was so powerful, and honoring to experience Swamp Gravy and then put on our own show on that same stage.
Even though the conference only lasted a few days, the skills of storytelling, and the connections I formed at this conference will be long lasting. I have been learning a lot lately about community organizing, planning, and macro Social Work Practice, however nothing I have learned from a text book could ever compete with the knowledge and wisdom I received from the speakers and inspirers of Colquitt, Georgia and Swamp Gravy. The effects of this project on the community are massive and astounding. According to an article by a local Georgia newspaper called “OnlineAthens”, Swamp Gravy’s economic impact, as of 2006, is roughly $2 million a year (Online Athens, 2006).
That estimate makes Swamp Gravy one of the county’s top industries!
I am so grateful for the opportunity to travel to Colquitt and for the connections I formed. I met some inspiring men and women from all walks of life, and with aspiring passions for improved community and creativity. I already miss the joy of Colquitt, with its intricate murals and shopping square, the beautiful hotel, and Cotton Hall; this small town that has such a huge voice, and a passion for sharing the stories that make it special. I hope to go back again soon for a show considering how close it is to Tallahassee. I want to say thank you to the people who played a role in helping me find my way to Colquitt. Without the hard work of Margaret Ashmore I would have missed out on a grand experience. In addition, I am grateful for the kindness and generosity of Joy Jinks, and the company of Richard Geer, along with the other residents of Colquitt. I am also so appreciative for the financial support of Guy and Delores Spearman, Doby Flowers, and anonymous donors. I would not have been given this opportunity if not for the generosity and support of these great people. I won’t soon forget the experience or knowledge I gained from this trip. I know that all good things must come to an end, and the conference ended not so that we could be saddened, but so that we might go back to our own communities and apply everything we learned.
About the Author: Jonathan Nguyen is a BSW graduate of the FSU College of Social Work from Melbourne, Florida. He is interested in community outreach, working with various populations, and the use of arts in social work practice.
Reference: Folk Lore Plays Save Town's Economy. Online Athens. Retrieved February 26, 2013, from onlineathens.com/stories/091806/news_20060918030.shtml.
Swamp Gravy Confidential: Joy Jinks