In last week’s blog we shared some questions with you and asked you to take some time to reflect, answer and even share your thoughts. We asked you:
- What should NP do more of?
- What should NP stop doing?
- What are NPs biggest roadblocks?
- What do our members want?
We thought it would be beneficial to all to share the feedback that we heard from a couple of you, and love hearing your thoughts.
“The energy of the bounce is what makes NP unite and unique. And the gathering for the group pic, to share the satisfaction of getting another workout done.”
Wisconsin Notes(Ottawa)
- In and out bounce happened that was meant to look like a wave , lots of big hugs, we felt connected to each other. You get a feel with the above photo.. maybe?
- One unique zoom thing is that wherever you logged on, it’s possible that you experienced different weather than the person “beside” you. Rainy or sunny, we want to acknowledge the unsurrendered Algonquin territory on which we stood, moved, skater lunged.
- We went up and down a ladder as many times as possible in 6 minutes
- Specific shout outs are appreciated and valued
- Workout was designed by November Project New Orleans
- ZOOM is still living and breathing here in Ottawa
- Another burnout with a song, how are you feeling about these?
- Conversations as to when we move back to in person workouts are continuing and ongoing, do not fret we will give you a weeks heads up before we plan on returning to in person gathering
- Where we gather and decide to move in our city was brought up in coffee chats and we are open to hearing suggestions and continuing to discuss a variety of different locations.
- Discussion group is ongoing, reach out to Dean to connect with this group of people. You can also find the original post on our social page.
- Waivers must be signed before we begin in person workouts again https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSefxNbuilBozdtF-tqTF6D_LixdxVRVrLsOs8zQ3-Gr_RWiVQ/viewform?pli=1
- Virtual race series including buttons was showcased
- Post coffee and chats involved weekend events, experiences using zoom,
What is your top ten? (Ottawa)
It’s a top ten kind of morning. Well currently it’s a top nine. We wanted to share what we believe are some of the top nine things we have learnt over the past four months and a bit. Normally, lists like these involve items like high fives being dished out while the sunrise rises in front of us or bagels and coffee at Kettlemans. With some of that on pause for the time being here are some other highly regarded top nines.
Why we are taking steps forward (Ottawa)
In taking steps towards acknowledging the land we are on, as well as celebrating Canada, traditionally known as Turtle Island, we had the pleasure of introducing Jamie, who took over this morning’s bounce. Jamie offered a smudge, prayer and gave us all insight into what it means to her to be an Indigenous Canadian. Jamie Voltz is a lover of the November Project community of Ojibwe-Saulteaux, Ukranian, Irish ancestry. Jamie is Okitcitakwe (Two-Spirit), Windigokahn, Ma’iingan Dodem and lives as a guest on Unsurrendered Algonquin Lands. Jamie brought us together this morning with the sunrise to honour and give recognition to Indigenous peoples and the strength of these nations and resilience they continue to bestow.
small steps forward (Ottawa)
“small steps lead to big changes”, we might not see it today, tomorrow or next week. But, in a year from now, or 5 years from now, how are we going to look back at the changes that we have made as a community for our city, our families and each other.
As we continue to call in, listen and learn we thought this week would be a good time to share an article. You may find it helpful and an insightful resource into a piece of our history that is often not shared.
Moving forward (Ottawa)
At November Project (NP) workouts, we have a responsibility to the people who show up to create a safe space that will welcome, challenge, & encourage members. We acknowledge that this space has not felt safe for all, especially our BIPoC members, & we sincerely apologize. Many institutions, organizations, & practices are rooted in white supremacy and colonialism— and NP is no different. Below is a snapshot of our multilayered plan to untangle white supremacy & white settler colonialism from our organization — & rebuild. As long as there is injustice, we will continue to break down/add/edit/modify/rebuild our organization & this plan.
Where do we start?
If you haven’t had a chance to read the November Project community agreements, the full list is here: https://november-project.com/community-agreements/
Here are a couple we thought we would bring to light. There is work to do to improve their implementation in our city.
LEAD Together
We ask members to be active participants at November Project workouts and events, while also representing this community seven days a week. We all have a role and a responsibility to represent this global movement. From wearing #GrassrootsGear around the world, being November Project member does not stop at 7:30AM. Kindness, accountability, and hard work, are contagious, so feel free to spread them around.
Sharing is caring (Ottawa)
You know when Facebook pulls at your heart and makes you a memory, one of those photo memories that might have sparked a new friendship or romance? Maybe it one of those that you forgot about and wished it would never resurface #frostedtips. This is like one of those posts but better.
On a weekly basis you, along with many others continue to embrace, endeavour and enjoy this city we call home. Once known as the
most boringcity in Canada, it know might be known to you as the city in which you fell in love with running again. Learned to embrace winter and all of it’s glory. Learnt about the word BUFF. And maybe you entered TD Place Stadium for the first time not as a spectator. You ran your first 6k. Met some friends, became best friends, fell in love, fell out of love. Yes, this and many more events could have all happened in Ottawa but would they have happened without November Project? Maybe, okay fine…. yes, they could have. But would it have been brought about by movement, through meeting a stranger, while running along the Rideau Canal by the sunrise, over a fresh bag of bagels? No. Sorry November Project helped fire all that.
(virtual)Sunrise 6k and the next best thing (Ottawa)
The name of the blog says it all (virtual)sunrise 6k. It’s pretty much exactly as it sounds minus the fact that there is no in person cheering, no racing up the stairs towards Parliament Hill and nor is there a weird hat or pair of sunglasses given out. However, what there is connection and not only here in Ottawa. When you hear about cities like Brooklyn and Baltimore hosting virtual sunrise 6k’s as well, you feel that much closer to a city that you maybe have yet to even visit. So, if there wasn’t funny glasses, a high five tunnel or added stencil onto your shirt did it even happen? Well yes, we gave you a set of parameters that included running alone, any time of the day between Monday to Friday and sharing how you felt during your run. When reading this list you can’t help but smile.
This workout can be completed anywhere(Ottawa)
In no particular order here is what was great about this morning. By great, we mean knock the socks right off your feet and making you feel more buzzed than drinking three cups of coffee.
In no particular order here is our top reasons:
- If you live in a tree fort, upstairs apartment, town house or one bedroom loft you could complete this workout without leaving your living space.
- Ottawa was crowned the greatest city of all November Project communities. (crowned by us, for us)
- The intention of the workout was to keep us all connected in front of that screen #check
- Visitors from Milwaukee and San Diego would we have ever moved with these new faces if not for zoom?
- You completed 200 walking lunges.
- You were breathing heavy.
- Your Wednesday morning started again with consistency.
Some days the time flies by and other days you may feel like you could bake or eat 12 chocolate banana, bread loaves. What I find is helping keeping me on track during my days, is sticking to a routine. Waking up and going to bed at the same time. Reaching out to people but also putting down those devices. Wednesday mornings look a little different right now and that’s okay so does life. What I do know is that showing up and waving frantically at a screen while trying to unmute my mic is my new Wednesday morning buzz. The coffee chats after the workout and hearing more about peoples new daily house- bound endeavours are intriguing and some are quiet questionable. But we’re in this together. Thanks for sharing your morning, coffee, smiles and sweaty good vibes with us.