Reflections from the Studio on Community
The Harwood Studio on Community was established in 2017 to create the time and space within the Institute necessary to explore new areas and innovate around complex civic challenges, and to be a space where individuals can spend time at the Institute to develop their own ideas and skills.
The following reflections come from Ariadna Condezo, a rising junior at Tufts University who joined the Institute as a Studio Associate this summer.
Before I started working for The Harwood Institute, I was intrigued by the role of the Studio on Community within the Institute. I quickly learned that it is the Institute’s engine for innovation. The Studio’s ability to foster the creation of new ideas and practices to address challenges in innovative ways helps set the Institute apart from other organizations.
Since I started working in the Studio, I have been participating in the community research taking place in Logan and Union Counties in Ohio as part of the Institute’s initiative with the American Honda Motor Company. As I engaged in this research, one thing became abundantly clear—the Institute operates in a truly distinctive manner.
Across the multiple conversation and interview transcripts, each question was meant to explore something new and discover community needs. The answers illuminate a deeper understanding of the current key issues present for residents and the civic culture in Logan and Union Counties. That is what makes the work of the Institute unique. Instead of trying to “fix” communities and impose our ideas and methodologies, there is a deep respect and care for the communities we work with. People are placed at the core of the actions.
I grew up in Lima, Peru, and moved to the United States to attend college. During my 18 years in my home country, I never witnessed an organization that actually made the effort to connect and get to know the community on a deep level. Back home, most of the work done by nonprofits focused on soliciting donations, creating fun activities, or working on new approaches divorced from community context. While these efforts may have good intentions, they often lead to superficial solutions that fail to account for the wants and needs of the people who comprise the community, since the people that make up the community are constantly ignored and not involved in crafting those solutions. In the end, it can cause more harm than help.
Interning in the Studio, I have gained a new perspective on leadership and changemaking. Embracing the Institute's principles has been a cornerstone of my experience at the Studio. Witnessing the profound impact of community-driven change has reinforced the significance of these principles and how they shape the work carried out within the Studio and the Institute as a whole.
The Studio has not only provided me with a deeper understanding of the challenges communities face but has also empowered me to envision and create new solutions that truly address those challenges at their core. I hope to return to Peru eventually to create or unify forces with current initiatives that aim to support those in need, especially the people who are often forgotten by the government and suffer from a lack of support and resources. By interning in the Studio and pursuing a degree in International Relations and Civic Studies, I have been gaining insight into the complexities of community dynamics and the diverse perspectives that shape them. This hands-on experience has broadened my understanding of local contexts, strengthened my ability to engage with diverse populations, and equipped me with the tools to navigate the landscape of both of my majors. The Studio offers a unique platform to develop empathy, collaborative problem-solving skills, and intellectual curiosity, all of which are crucial for success both professionally and personally. I am certain that my experience in the Studio will continue to shape my future endeavors and guide me on my social impact journey to create a more just society.