COMMONS MAGAZINE

Posted
July 10, 2013

Commons Strategies Can Transform Your Hometown

Invite OTC to town to boost community connections and public life

An Opportunity for Your Community

The time-proven practices of the commons can transform where we live and how we live, That’s why On the Commons focuses on Public Life & Placemaking and regularly visits communities for talks, workshops and residencies about strengthening community connections and opportunities.

OTC recently did a residency in Winona, Minnesota with Senior Fellow Jay Walljasper, author of The Great Neighborhood Book and All That We Share. Walljasper and the whole On The Commons team speak and consult widely about how to improve communities.

To learn more about bringing On the Commons to your town, contact Jay Walljasper

Reactions to On the Commons’ Residency in Winona from the Organizers

Jay Walljasper couldn’t have arrived in Winona, MN at a better time! His message about “the commons” and how we all participate in a common life particularly resonated with the students at Winona State University. Whether addressing a journalism class or a public service class, Jay’s abundant energy and colorful stories captured the students’ interest by helping them relate to a concept larger than themselves. In addition to classroom contact, Jay’s Lyceum talk attracted faculty, students, city officials and community members alike, giving us all an opportunity to reflect on Winona’s many assets—particularly its commons. At a time when people are told to embrace “rugged individualism” and to “go it alone,” Jay’s message of community, connection, and collaboration hit a high, perfect note.

Vicki Englich
Coordinator, Office of Learning and Community Engagement
Winona State University

“Jay Walljasper gave everyone at the event a lot to think about. After his talk, people milled around discussing his ideas, and how we could apply them to our own community. People were excited and stimulated, and I would say inspired by Jay’s philosophy of shared spaces, and his practical examples of other cities and towns throughout the world that have embraced these approaches.”

Kathleen Peterson
Arts Administrator
Winona State University