I set out for day two to head back to the same neighborhood as detailed in MyIntervention_story_01, but this time in the morning. I wanted to revisit the bookshop I had previously made contacts with, and see if I could re-negotiate and change their minds. However, when I came to the bookshop, I noticed this time it was only the woman there who did not speak English – the day before there had been a man there as well who did speak English. I was disappointed, but figured the interaction would be futile without being able to communicate directly. Feeling disappointed and now doubtful that I would be able to manage executing a job, I turned around to find an open air market which was not there the day before. I started wandering through, looking at things and thinking – taking a break really from approaching people regarding the Flash Jobs. I came across one both that had some beautiful jewelry and wallets. I had been looking for a bracelet for sometime for a friend of mine and so I stopped to look. The man who was operating the both came over. He started speaking German to me, and I in turn asked if he spoke English. To my surprise he did! He started showing me bracelets, and pulling ones that weren’t on display that he thought might be a better fit. I noticed immediately how kind he was and how he was really working to find something that would be appropriate for my need. Our shopping discussion came to a natural hault at one point, and he asked me where I was from. I replied, and in turn he asked what I was doing in Berlin. This is where the magic began.
I told him in a very non-solicitous way about New Life Berlin, and about the Flash Job Campaign. I mentioned that we were constantly seeking opportunities to place local teens in for flash jobs or “blitz” jobs to last a short while, and provide the teenager with an unexpected experience – one that would provide both parties with a personal gain, and that the teens would be compensated for their time. He seemed interested, but still hesitant. We briefly changed the subject away from the blitz jobs, and talked instead about my experience living in New York, and in turn his here in Berlin. He told me he is originally from Bangladesh, and he came here 10 years ago with his wife. He now has German citizenship, as well as two children – one is 2 years, and one is 4 years. I was surprised to learn that he also earns his family’s income from his market stand alone – and that working at this market for the two days it is open - Wed and Thurs – is more than sufficient. He also mentioned that he did have plans to expand his business, and that in the future he would very much like to have more staff and also a permanent shop.
This was the main point of entry for me. I asked if he thought he could use some help for maybe one hour in the morning to set up. He asked again about the duration, and particularly wanted to confirm that it was for just one hour and one day only. I assured him that this would be correct.
He then responded “OK, yes we could do this,” and negotiating the deal began (read on below Tips&Tricks).
Shelton_MyIntervention_Tips&Tricks_02
Here, approaching him as a tourist/foreigner worked to my advantage. This caused a natural curiosity from him as I browsed his items. I also benefited from approaching him in a non-solicitous way. I believe he may have been turned off if I had asked him out right at the beginning. Instead I slowly kept inching closer to the deal in a very casual way, and speaking of his and my own personal experiences and families, which we were mutually interested in.
Shelton_MyDeal_story_01
Amir says OK, and then we briefly discuss what the job could be. That it would include assisting him unpacking his goods and arranging his stand. That it usually only required him alone about an hour, sometimes a little less. The teenager and I would need to show up the next day at 8AM. Amir agrees to pay at least 3.50 euro per hour.
Shelton_MyDeal_FAQ_01
The first question I had was remembering that teens were still in school, and was this going to work from a scheduling standpoint?
Second was how am I going to approach teens? How will I relate to them, and how will I be perceived? What sort of introduction should I make?
Lastly, was where am I going to find a willing teen in such short notice?
Shelton_MyIntervention_story_03
After striking the deal with Amir, I left to go meet with Per, the project coordinator of the Flash Job Campaign, to seek advice and also necessary materials for approaching teens – mainly the permission slips for underage participants. After talking with Per, and obtaining the permission forms, I headed back to the neighborhood to catch teenagers coming home from school. My initial plan was to intercept them from the train, and ask if they could participate in the morning, taking the form home with them to sign and returning before the project started the next day.
I caught one girl as she left the same train as I did. We spoke for a short time, and she was actually very curious and enthusiastic about the project. She was 15, and headed home to Neukolln after school. Unfortunately though, when she discovered the time of the project, it became apparent that it wouldn’t work for her as she had to be at school at 8AM. But I gave her my card, and she said she would visit the website to learn more.
I had similar interactions with 5 other teenagers. Most seemed interested, a few were not at all, but all had the same answer – that no, they could not because of the start time for school.
I left feeling deflated, but then thought of a possible solution (see below)
Shelton_MyIntervention_FAQ_02
How could I figure a way to negotiate around this time conflict? Certainly I can’t ask a teen to miss school for this…Could I find a teen who was not in school?
Could Amir change the time? Instead of having teens help set up, perhaps they could help take down?
Shelton_MyDeal_story_02
I decided that asking Amir to change the time would be the best solution. I headed back to the market to inquire what time he usually packs up. Amir was still there, and greeted me with a big smile. I told him that there had been an oversight, and that no teens were available to help during the morning because of school. Amir agreed that we should instead plan for packing up, and that he usually did this around 4 o’clock, and as set up, this usually took him an hour, or maybe a bit longer.
Shelton_MyIntervention_story_04
I left with a new wave of energy and also realized that there was perhaps even enough time to complete the project today. I started asking teenagers in the neighborhood as the came down the main street from the trains. This time I was not as lucky as before – most of the teens I stopped either weren’t interested in speaking and/or didn’t speak English, and one gave the response “I already have enough to do.” Again I was feeling deflated. I believed my prospects to be growing thin as the hour for leaving school was closing; it was nearly 4PM. But I spotted one young girl across the way, with large headphones on and a pleasant smile, and decided to approach her, perhaps as a last try.
Shelton_MyDeal_story_03
I introduced myself and made the usual inquiry if she spoke English. She did and she asked if she could help. I told her that there was no problem, and in fact there was rather an unusual opportunity, which I was looking to find a worker for. She seemed curious, and I explained where I was from, and why I was in Berlin. That we were working on placing young people with unexpected experiences in their own community, that she would be paid for her time, at least 3.50 euro per hour, and then I described the job to her. It didn’t take long for her to agree. She in turn introduced herself, that her name was Mlrike, was still in school, and most excited about studying what I gathered from our broken English conversation to be journalism. Since she was not underage and a permissions slip would not be necessary, I gave her the option of completing the project the same day at 4 PM(literally moments away) or the following. She said she could do it now, but had to make one stop at what I thought she said “coffee” shop.
It turns out she said “copy” shop and was going to drop off a print job of one of her class assignments.
Shelton_MyDeal_Tips&Tricks_01
This time, full disclosure benefited me. Mlrike is very bright, and not a whole lot younger than myself. We were able to talk on a peer to peer level, and she was eager for the opportunity not just for the compensation, but because of the spontaneity and unusual nature of the project.
Shelton_TheACT_story_01
After dropping off Mlrike’s print job we headed to the market. Amir looked presently surprised to see us. I introduced Mlrike, and that she lived in the neighborhood and could do the job for him today. And then we were off.
First Mlrike helps Amir pack up his goods. She takes down pocket books and carefully packs them in the sacks. At one point Mlrike asks if she can put the bags in the car, to which Amir replies “Yes, but there is a system, I will show you.” At this moment the dialogue transfers from me as mediator to Amir and Mlrike directly. I quietly drift to the side.
Amir next instructs Mlrike to pack the eye glasses carefully – he shows her how place each in the box it was removed from, and carefully wrap it back, and place in the larger box. After all the goods are packed, Mlrike must break down the tables, rolling the rattan tops, and folding the collapsible legs. She at first can’t figure out how the legs fold, and Amir comes over to show her.
Next they begin loading Amir’s Mercedes van. Amir instructs Mlrike where to place the items, and also asks her not to try to carry the heavy items.
Finally, They break down the tent. Amir shows us both in a playful way of how he can turn the tent into a very small structure, “for extra short people.” He then shows Mlrike how to fold the canopy, and carries the poles over to the car. Mlrike finishes folding the canopy and then they place the last items in the car – amazing that it all fits!
Once the project is complete, Amir decides to pay Mlrike 5 Euro for 45 minutes of work.
I asked Amir and Mlrike a few questions. First what were there initial response to me was, and why they agreed to participate. Amir commented that he thought I looked trust worthy, and that I explained the project in a sincere way. Mlrike responds that she like the idea of the project, and though wasn’t sure what to expect, that she had the time, and making a little money sounded good too. I also asked both parties if they thought the exchange was fair. Amir responded that yes, it was fair – he got his packing done faster, and now can be home 20 or 30 minutes before he usually is, and Mlrike responds that yes, she didn’t expect to get 5 euro. I asked her what she did expect to get, and she said, “I wouldn’t have expected to get paid.” I then asked what they each thought of the project, and if they liked what the Flash Job Campaign was doing. Amir replied that he did, and that he thought the social interactions were valid. He tried to go further, but mentioned that he didn’t have the words in English – once again the language barrier throws a wrench in things. It simultaneously created the project, and in turn inhibited the project at times. My final question is if they will stay in touch. Mlrike speaks up first this time and says, yes that she will say hello next time she is in the market.
We say our goodbyes, and both Amir and Mlrike ask if they can have copies of the photos. We exchange contact information, and our last act is to ask another market vendor to take a photo of all three us.
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WEDNESDAY - JUNE 4, 2008 - 01:52:51 AM
MyIntervention_story_01
At the conclusion of our first workshop on Sunday night, we agreed to venture out into our designated zones alone. I was needless to say a bit weary of the endeavor due to the language barrier (I only speak English and a smattering of French) – my initial assumption was that I would be unsuccessful in my attempts. But the outcome proved to be not at all unsuccessful.
I was given a portion of Southern Neukolln for my first day, Handwerker-Siedlung, Bukow, and Gropiusstadt Sud and surroundings. Of course it wasn’t possible to cover the whole ground in one day. The area is mostly German, with very few foreigners, which is a sharp contrast to other parts of Neukolln. The portion I visited is primarily residential, with families and many senior citizens.
I began all attempts at communication with a greeting in German and asking in German if they spoke English. I would make an effort to communicate with everyone, but with the vast majority who didn’t speak any English, the interactions really could only last a few seconds. I found it impossible really to have interaction with non-english speaking Germans of any substance. Mostly, if they couldn’t understand English, they thought I was asking for directions and would point me to a train. But there were a few valuable moments with German only speakers, as well as some very interesting discussions, some in English.
I first got off the train and found my way into a Garden community. I was quite interested with these small enclaves of lush green living – their structure, and the absence of many modern ‘conveniences’ (often annoyances) namely being cars. The houses were organized in rows with each plot having a small home and large, often breath taking, beautiful gardens. They reminded me of something I had studied before while living in Copenhagen and studying architecture that I had been quite enamored with – Housing collectives and also the alternative community, Christiana, there. I entered the garden complex and began wandering around. It was noon, and not many folks were home, but I did encounter one elderly man working in his garden. I stopped and greeted him, hoping that he may speak English. He came to the fence with a great big smile, though when he realized I only spoke English, he was very apologetic, and said in German, “no I only speak German. Speak German?” That was unfortunately the end of the interaction. I left the garden community, and on the way out noticed the “private” sign that I had failed to notice going in – I left feeling lucky that I had been received so warmly and also had unknowingly gained entrance to a community that others might not have. Of course, I also thought it was a pity I couldn’t interact with the man – setup a deal/job for a teen with this community and with an elderly man many generations older could have been great.
I turned down the street and stopped in a gas station hoping the attendant would be more likely to speak English and could offer insight about the creation of the communities and possibly an English speaking contact. The woman again was very kind, but responded to my English with “yes I speak a little. What’s the problem?” I thought this was an interesting statement – what causes our initial reaction to foreigners trying to communicate as always being in need of something? I know I do this too in New York – when stopped on the street by a tourist I automatically assume they have an obstacle they need assistance overcoming. Of course, I realize it’s often the case – needing directions, a phone, a car etc. But its interesting how these assumptions shaped our conversation. Perhaps this could be used to my advantage, but how? I did proceed to ask her questions about the community, but ultimately she spoke such little English that she misunderstood me and, going back to the initial assumption, assumed I needed something. I had said to her “I walked here from the S-bahn” and when she heard the word “S-bahn” she had a sigh of relief and started pointing and saying “10 minutes walk this way”.
Many interactions ran that course – I had others at a few florists as well where, upon initiating a conversation about the concepts of Flash Job, I actually ended up purchasing flowers – one rose and one daisy - to save from too much awkwardness when we failed to understand each other. But they were not all so difficult to communicate with, and I had many rewarding conversations.
I spoke with a young man who was in the neighborhood working on a project for the S-bahn signage. He didn’t live in the neighborhood but was interested in what I was doing. We also spoke a lot of New York and what it was like to live there. When I started speaking of the teens I spoke of it in terms of “job” and this terminology seemed to deter him – it has too many connotations of higher levels of obligation. People hear this word and think long term commitment, or once every week etc, and they think of legality. I had another woman in a video store with a similar response to the term “job” – she started asking me if they were older than 18, and how many hours a week etc. The woman also at first was confused with the language, and thought I was asking for a job – which was rather comical to me, as her first response was, “well you need to speak German.” After these two interactions I decided to stay away from the term.
Next was with an Antique store. It was a husband and wife team, and the husband spoke pretty good English. We talked for a short time about the neighborhood, and that yes there were many teens, and that yes he thought it was a good idea for them to gain experience. But when the subject turned to his shop, he responded that it was too small and not enough work that needed doing. In retrospect, I wish I had continued the discussion, and to point out that it wasn’t about the amount of work, but rather the experience and interaction – even for an hour or so. But I suppose I failed to set up the right decorum.
I also spoke with a bookshop owner for quite sometime. He too was quite curious about the project, and seemed supportive in spirit. I got much further in discussion with him staying again away from the terminology of job, and focusing more on the interaction – to see what its like to work in a bookstore etc. In the end he too felt his business too small, but I plan to go back and visit again – to see if I can be more successful. He in turn pointed me to a nearby library which I thought was an accomplishment in and of itself – he felt secure enough in our discussion to aide in its pursuit.
We also spoke briefly about fairness, and that he felt it was difficult for teens to have faire jobs, but that also remarked they need to first gain experience, and gaining that initial experience is often a sacrifice. I left thinking about sacrifice – a sacrifice seems by definition inherently unfair, is this appropriate, is it not? I know I certainly did a lot of jobs and volunteer experiences myself as a teen…. I haven’t arrived at a conclusion for this.
Next I walked to this library he mentioned. The women inside were very kind, and one spoke a little English. She at first too misunderstood the intention, and thought I wanted to bring a group of teenagers to the library to study/work independently, and that they the library staff would help them. I finally made the distinction that they would work for the library. To this she replied was impossible, and I gathered that it was more a personal response then anything. I think she felt uncomfortable with the idea. But she did offer me the number a woman who sets up projects for teens in the neighborhood libraries.
Lastly I encountered another elderly man working in his magnificent garden – this time not in a private community but in a free standing, rather large home. Unfortunately he too did not speak good English, but I did make a gesture of compliments to his garden that I know he understood. It’s a shame not to have been able to really connect with him.
But at the end of the day, I left having first proven my previous assumptions incorrect – that it is possible to connect with individuals, even only speaking English, and I had already grown in my approach and seen results – the way in which I structured my questions and statements, and what I focused on, and what I avoided. I also left with new thoughts regarding fairness. Fairness seems to imply an equality of standing, and that if there is an exchange made, that its equal in value. And of course this is difficult to define. As I discussed with the bookshop owner, at times an exchange on paper may not look faire – money involved may be of different value, but for one who has little experience, they may be willing to forego this and other compensation to have those intangibles you can’t put a price tag on – experience, interactions. At all times it seems like weighing and balancing and what may be established as faire for one may not be so for another.
I assumed that I would fail at all attempts to communicate. I definitely proved myself wrong regarding this. I left feeling empowered and as though I had learned how to approach people more effectively, and albeit more efficiently – i.e. don’t spend too much time on interactions that are destined to fail because of language barriers. You cannot speak of the abstract concepts this project deals with one who speaks no English.
MyIntervention_FAQ_01
Is it possible to use being foreign as well as not speaking German to one’s advantage? And subsequently, is German necessary to complete this project?
Through my first intervention, I discovered the process to be extremely important. How much of this project is process, and how much job completion action? Does it matter in the end if a job is successfully completed?
What does it mean to sacrifice, and how does this or doesn’t this relate to fairness?
MyIntervention_tips&tricks_01
For me I found that staying away from the term job or arbeit proved successful. Job has connotations of a longer commitment, and a more institutionalized form of responsibility. I was more successful in my conversations speaking of the experience and exchange we’re after.
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WEDNESDAY - JUNE 4, 2008 - 01:40:31 AM
MyReport_story_01
As mentioned on the discussion blog, we decided as group to make our application texts public to add another layer of interest and understanding. Here I share mine:
Why do you want to apply?
When I discovered the Flash Job Campaign, I was instantly drawn to the project for its progressive outlook and use of the arts as a way to spark social change. I am a devoted artist and experienced coordinator of collaborative, community building creative endeavors, and would love the opportunity to work with other like-minded individuals in Berlin. While my experiences are listed on my CV, I would like to draw special attention to my role as co-founder and co-director of Pratt Collaboratives at Pratt Institute, Brooklyn, New York; an initiative which I spear headed from conception, and executed a multitude of projects akin to the Flash Job Campaign. The mission of Pratt Collaboratives is: To simultaneously benefit Pratt Institute’s educational experience and outside communities through mutually supportive, enriching relationships that recognize Pratt’s strengths in architecture, art and design.
Pratt Collaboratives is an initiative to expand upon the Institute’s strengths through collaborative endeavors. It was created by myself and colleague, Mackenzie King, to recognize the power of community partnerships which provide a unique beneficial opportunity for individuals within Pratt, the community at large, and ultimately the Institute as a whole. We address these issues through courses, forums, events, services and projects that merge Pratt strengths with community opportunities. The programs developed had enormous short term gains, but even more substantial long term gains for all vested parties.
We successfully executed projects ranging from the Neighborhood Gallery project, which placed Pratt students’ artwork in neighborhood businesses, simultaneously providing students with new exposure and generating traffic and economic growth to local businesses; to the Staten Island University Hospital Design Competition, which we organized and fielded submissions from Pratt students and faculty for the design of a modular play station to be used by cancer patients at the hospital; to hosting numerous guest speakers and lecturers to come to the Institute to share their experiences.
I moved on from Pratt to work for a variety of arts organizations in different capacities, most recently as Archivist for a leading Chelsea gallery dedicated to bringing contemporary artists who have a political and social minded awareness to the forefront. I also work as a Museum Educator, which has furthered my skills as an effective educator and organizer, as well as brought greater depth of knowledge of the impact artists can have on their community.
Through these endeavors I have developed a deep love of the art world, and specifically of how the arts can be a catalyst for change. I have been so fortunate in my experiences in New York to work along side some of the best artists and coordinators of today, and the influence they have had on me and my work is indelible.
I would cherish the opportunity to work in Berlin as part of a team for the Flash Job Campaign.
Describe your current art practice:
I have always had two prevailing passions, one being the creation of art, and the second being a devotion to community building and enriching projects.
However, my interest in the power of the arts to effect social change and dwell in the public realm was not immediate.
Artistically, I started as a painter in the very traditional sense – oil paintings strictly, and figurative subject matter in a fairly realistic style. Simultaneously, since a very early age I’ve been involved in service projects. But it wasn’t until I went to college studying art, architecture, and urban planning, that I started to develop a knowledge of the power the arts have to spark reflection and even change on some of today’s most pressing issues. It wasn’t until I graduated from college that I truly started to investigate and experiment with these concepts in my own work.
Now I am at an exciting phase where I have melded my two passions together. And though I am still a painter, I have started developing concepts for installations and one-time events that are collaborative, interdisciplinary and interactive in a variety of ways.
I have had numerous influences which have shaped the development of my work.
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