This
book is the result of two projects conducted in Odorheiu Secuiesc (Székelyudvarhely
in Hungarian) to collect local stories and to begin identifying themes from
stories that are meaningful to our community. The first project took
place in a microbus we converted into a mobile movie studio. For three days we
drove around town enticing citizens to tell stories and share memories over a
cup of hot coffee. Later we added still photos through a public
photography competition in which, to determine the finalists, the community
cast more than 16,000 votes.
Why
run such projects? As a Community Foundation, we are interested in
empowering people to take part in local development, and feel it is important
to listen to citizen’s values. We wanted to know what stories the elderly
tell about the past which in turn shape our present. What do youth hope
for? What are the themes and metaphors which inspire action? We
endeavored to create a picture of our community, based on how people see it
from within.Family, tradition,
architectural and cultural heritage, beautiful surroundings, sports … these all
emerged in people’s perceptions of what this ‘community’ means, looks like, and
stands for.
We
hope you enjoy this unique collection of images, stories and reflection - all
building blocks for the larger themes in the mosaic of our community. By
purchasing this book you are in turn helping us take the next crucial step -
moving beyond stories and perceptions to actions and realities.All profits from the sale of this book will
support projects through which local people can take action and build our
community based on these, their values.
