Village Discussion: A Powerful Connection to Community and Family
At the center of any organization claiming to make an impact, one truth stands out: to serve a community, you must be connected to the family. Families are the heartbeat of any meaningful, transformative effort. This philosophy is the cornerstone of our Village Discussions, a program that has shown me, how powerful it is to genuinely listen, connect, and strategize with the people who matter most to the ambassadors we serve.
The Power of the Village
Village Discussions are led by Zion, our incredible Program Coordinator. They take place where the ambassador feels most at home, which often happen to be in their own living room. This setting alone speaks volumes. It’s not a conference room, or office space; it’s their space, surrounded by their chosen people, otherwise known as their VILLAGE.
Zion’s dedication to these discussions is remarkable. Our ambassadors live all over—from Vancouver, Washington, to Beaverton, and even the farthest corners of Gresham. Despite the distance, Zion ensures that each Village Discussion happens with care and intentionality. I’ve been fortunate to attend a few, and each one leaves me inspired.
The format is simple yet profound. The ambassador invites anyone they feel is essential to their life, parents, siblings, friends, mentors. Whoever the ambassador feels is important in their life.
Our approach is deeply rooted in the African proverb: “It takes a village to raise a child.” By understanding what’s happening at home—the good, the bad, and the challenging—we are better equipped to support the ambassador holistically. We learn about their daily dynamics and family structures, and together, we strategize ways to best serve them.
Moments That Stay With You
One of the most impactful parts of these discussions is hearing the perspectives of the village members. When parents, siblings, or friends share their thoughts about the ambassador, it’s often a deeply emotional and affirming experience. The ambassador lights up, hearing words of love and admiration that they may not hear in day-to-day life. These moments remind us why we do this work.
Another unique aspect is the timing. Since most families are busy during the day, these discussions often take place in the evening, and we are at times greeted by a delicious meal that our ambassador’s families provide. There’s something powerful about breaking bread together, learning about each other, and forming genuine connections in such an intimate setting. It’s life-changing to witness and be part of these moments.
Lessons From the Village
The questions we ask during Village Discussions open doors to deeper understanding:
Describe yourself in three words.
What are your hopes and dreams for your future?
Who are the most important people in your life, and why?
The answers are as varied as the ambassadors themselves, but common themes always emerge: determination, resilience, and the undeniable power of community. From learning about a sibling studying abroad in Prague to hearing a coach’s influence on their life, every story adds a layer of richness to our understanding.
Family members also share their hopes, fears, and insights. A father might talk about his child’s determination. A sibling might marvel at their perseverance. A mother might express her dreams for her child to fully know themselves and live their truth. These perspectives are invaluable as we tailor our programs to truly meet the needs of our ambassadors.
Why It Matters
How can we truly serve our youth if we don’t involve their families? The answer is simple: we can’t. These discussions allow us to see the full picture—the strengths, challenges, and untapped potential of every ambassador. They remind us that our role isn’t just to mentor or guide but to partner with families in building a foundation for success.
Witnessing this process, being part of these conversations, and standing on the cutting edge of something so meaningful has been nothing short of transformative. Village Discussions reaffirm that when we connect deeply with the families and communities of our youth, we create a support system that is not only impactful but life-changing.
Closing Thoughts
Thank you for being part of this journey. Whether you’re an ambassador, a family member, supporter of our mission or just getting to know Word Is Bond, know that your role in this village is essential. Together, we are creating spaces where young Black men can learn, grow and BE. And all of our roles are important.
Because it truly does take a village—and what a powerful village it is.