A concept to create something 'good' has created a movement that is heartwarming and inspiring.

Josh Clarke, Make Good in the Neighborhood Facilitator, had posted on social media about a year ago looking for advice on how to come up with a positive 'maker project and maker space.' His idea and vision eventually led to the creation of 'Make Good in the Neighbourhood' a grassroots initiative to promote local innovation and positive social impact. On Saturday (June 9), the group unveiled their first project outside of the Shoe Closet on Historic Main Street, an accessibility ramp for mobility challenged individuals and moms with strollers.

Clarke shares he wanted to create an idea which included the talents of our local youth. "Make Good in the Neighbourhood was conceived to bring youth and get them involved in doing something that could contribute to the community."

While Clarke had the group's vision, it was really through an organic connection with Melissa Engdahl, member of the Town’s Equity & Inclusion Committee/Cochrane Resource Centre; where the concept was born.

Engdahl had heard from a resident who had seen media and youtube videos about a project called Stop Gap occurring in Calgary; and thought this could be a great program to bring to Cochrane. So Engdahl and Clarke came together and created the vision. Clarke shares,"I coached a four-session workshop, and tackled the question of how could we make Cochrane more accessible? The first session we got together we got in wheelchairs and used visual impairment simulators, came downtown, to get the first-hand experience what it's like to live with a disability, and then we took that information and we did some ideation and prototyping on some other ideas on how to make Cochrane accessible. The big project then was to design and build accessibility ramps."

A design was fabricated after Clarke worked with the youth to figure out colour, contrast, grading, slope, build measurements and calculations. "I fabricated some of the pieces and they assembled them and painted them and we're hopeful once people see that, other businesses will want to get on board and have some made."

 The youth who were involved in the project all shared it was something they enjoyed being part of. Although they may have been encouraged to initially get involved by a family member, all would do it again. Esmée Karbonik (13) says initially she wasn't that fond of being involved but it got better and better. "I enjoyed giving back to the community because not everybody may feel accepted and it may not be accessible for some people. It made feel better about our community."

Engdahl shares the project was funded through an Alberta Human Rights grant and it is the fourth year she has applied. "The grant basically facilitates and funds programs that increase participation, reduce discrimination and help all our residents feel like they belong."

Another reiteration will occur this fall with more students and new businesses/community partnerships.

Clarke adds the youth are really what make this project a success. "Our youth are more than just kids, they are the innovators of the future. If we give them the resources, space, mentoring and the tools we can tap into creativity to solve some of our challenges. It's showing and empowering them that you can apply that creative energy in a positive direction and make good in the neighbourhood."

The ideas for the Make Good project could be endless. "We would love to expand the scope of the themes that we tackle, whether that is accessibility, inclusion, food security or anything that helps people feel a belonging or find their way in Cochrane. It's the process; having a designer's mindset where you get into the shoes of whoever you are designing for and immersing yourself in their reality and then take that information back and design something that is useful and meets the need."

Another group Engdahl believes inclusiveness would benefit is the newly formed LGBTQ2S+ group. "That is another group that has really taken off and that is certainly an area that I think is really important. I know a lot of municipalities are doing some pretty amazing work in that area."

If you would like to get involved or connect with the Make Good in the Neighbourhood project contact Josh, HERE.

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An Exercise in Equity and Inclusion