When I signed up for the Delaware Housing Coalition annual conference, I expected the usual: Talk. To my surprise this day was different. I first realized this when Annie or "Mother Mckenzie" entered my car for our trip from Wilmington to Dover. Little did I know that we were on our way to a Revival.

This was my first encounter with Mother McKenzie. When I asked her why she was attending this conference, she matter of factly replied, "I feed the homeless." That was it. That was all she said for awhile. My reaction was to find out what organization she was with or who she worked for. And when I inquired further, she again very humbly began to tell me of her personal journey. She explained that she has been feeding hungry people for many years, mostly on her own with her own resources. At this point in the day I had already experienced what was to be the central theme of the annual meeting: Personal responsibility for Community.

At the start of the conference, the organization Share The Wealth provided a framework for the financial situation of the working class, the poor. They illustrated the financial burdens that 90% of the population carries for the 10% of the elite. These facts were of no surprise to all of us. However, their methods of communication and willingness to hear and speak the real truth was refreshing.

We then witnessed a powerful panel of speakers who charged us with the hope and belief that we can actually do something real in our communities. They said that if we organized ourselves and worked through and embraced our differences we could do it. This committed group of tenants/activists decided that they would become the land owners. So they began buying land and managing the buildings themselves. They are now continuing to build up their community by having their own stores and commerce. This has involved not only purchasing goods but also bartering and trading. It was a strong display to our group that change can happen. We just have to begin to believe that it can.

Throughout the workshops that were offered, I found that people were sharing and listening in a positive atmosphere. During the Economics session held by "Share the Wealth," we explored a kinetic learning experience to exemplify what happens when people’s resources are gradually taken away. Our task as a class was to fit nine people on four chairs while one person had six chairs to recline upon. This manifested how our resources are divided up. As the discussion continued, I began hearing from our group about how this type of sneaky but gradual economic oppression affects our attitudes and beliefs of others around us.

I then went to the session held by Carl Mazza. Once again the question of how do we move toward true community surfaced. Many people shared their perceptions and feelings of why they were reluctant to join with others. Carl then led the discussion to ways that we can work through these barriers to reach community. The primary theme was that all of us need to explore how we can build our communities. I think that I have always had this grand idea of "community." An image of Nirvana/Eden comes to mind. So I question how this thing called community can come to fruition. The conclusion that I come to in this point of my life means that maybe, just maybe, "building community" means being a good neighbor wherever we are at the present moment, wherever our journey leads us.

This important day ended by recognizing committed people, which included Mother McKenzie! We then shared a beautiful meal and witnessed another creative expression of Share the Wealth.

With community comes the realization or mandate that we reach out to others. This can happen in any form. We can give whatever we want and we need to personalize it. Can I reach out to others and more importantly can I let others reach me in the spirit of truth and acceptance?