Our goal and objective at November Project Ottawa has always been to use fitness as a vehicle to bring and connect people together. Whether that be through showing up in the cold months of February along the canal, early mornings at the stadium or post workout bagels. The intention has always been the same show up early, show up to move, show up to meet new people, show up to add more value into your day and to that of others. We believe that it is fair to say that we, along with 51 other cities believe in this.
But is this enough?
Are we creating a space in which anyone can feel safe and included to show up to?
Last Thursday, Maggie Huang shared and expressed her experience with November Project as a co-leader of November Project Brooklyn. She explained how unsafe she feels within the November Project community and what this movement looks like through her eyes. If you have yet to read this blog we encourage you to do so here.
Following this blog, November Project HQ released a blog that outlines six commitments that were shared to help work towards dismantling white supremacy. You can read that blog here.
Thank you to our community members for sharing this already, so perhaps you have already had a read and had time to digest and reflect.
We recognize that change does not take place overnight. That it consists of learning, unlearning and relearning. Forming relationships, seeking out those in our community who feel they have yet to be heard or have not been listened to and reaching beyond those who might be within our inner circle of those who are showing up.
Maybe you are now asking “how are you going to do this?”
We can start here, by hearing from you. Whether you have shown up once, weekly or to all social events we would like to hear your honest, open and truthful feedback: November Project Ottawa Feedback Survey
This survey is anonymous and our intention is to gather feedback from as many people as we can.
Thank you for helping each other grow and become better not only on Wednesday mornings. Reach out if you would like to discuss anything further as we are always here.
Here’s to bringing soles together,
Lauren and Liz
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
- There’s lot of reading to do from recent blogs so we encourage you to read another city blogs.
- Do you have an idea for gathering without actually gathering send us a message and let us know.
- Check in on someone and ask them how they’re doing.
