When then-teenager Aña Marjenka and I dreamt up Harmony Cafe on a car ride to Madison 14 years ago, our intent was one thing: to create a safe space here in Appleton - space where ALL people could feel fully seen, heard and valued. From the start we knew our check it at the door declaration was key to creating safe space, but we werent even totally sure if the café would be in a building or if it would be virtual café happening throughout the community (as it did our first 3 years). Weve been blessed to have three buildings weve called home, and though the buildings help create a sense of safe space, Harmony Cafe was never about the building - it was always about the people and the ideals. Even if the buildings close, the ideals live on ... the check at the door declaration; the striving for peace harmony and justice; and the ability for all of us to create safe space in our homes, our schools, our workplaces, and all throughout community. But creating a safe space is not easy; it doesnt just happen without a lot of work, intention, care, love, and an ability for us all to see our own biases with an openness to grow and change. But though it is challenging work, when safe space is created magic happens. The people Ive met through the years, and the things Ive seen at Harmony, can only be described as beautiful and magical. Its been a wonderful journey and I know no matter what happens, the legacy of Harmony Café will live on in the hearts of all those whove been touched by this dream, whove been inspired to bring a bit of Harmony Cafe with them as they leave our doors. There are literally thousands of people to thank for all the small and big ways they made Harmony Café happen. I cant say thank you enough. It is awe-inspiring to see what a bunch of good people can do when they all come together and bring a dream to life. Lives have been changed. Lives have been saved. Thank you all.
Posted on: Sat, 15 Nov 2014 17:53:31 +0000
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