Mansfield Rising 2.0 🚀
Eight local residents are attending South By Southwest (SXSW), a world-renowned festival for tech and ideas in Austin, TX. Follow along with their daily blog posts as they research and develop new ideas to bring back to Mansfield.
Having dived into the insightful blogs written by the rest of the Mansfield Rising team, it’s been exciting to witness the breadth of topics, ideas, and issues discussed during our time here at SXSW.
Little did I know that receiving a text from Allie Watson inviting me to join the team would lead to such a transformative experience. With excitement and a touch of nerves, I eagerly accepted the offer, as the seasoned veterans of SXSW, or the “OGs,” did their best to prepare us for what lay ahead.
As the countdown to our departure from Columbus International Airport drew closer, I couldn’t shake the anticipation of what it meant to be part of such a prestigious and forward-thinking group.
One session that left a profound impact on me was titled “It Ends with Us: Breaking Cycles of Generational Dysfunction,” where the panel shed light on the stark reality that approximately 80 percent of people can trace their roots back to dysfunctional families. These families, once intended to nurture and protect, often find themselves grappling with crumbling norms under the weight of generational evolution.
It’s a situation mirrored in dysfunctional communities, where failing to adapt to the needs of the next generation can lead to far-reaching consequences, from violence to societal stagnation. As Nan said, you don’t get the name Danger City for no reason, right? It’s not a secret that the systems and norms of our society aren’t working anymore; we need to adapt, and quickly.
So how do we do adapt? This might be one of the only world issues that they didn’t solve at SXSW, and I would be lying if I told you I knew the answer to this question.
What I do know is that we as a community need to acknowledge and take accountability for the fact that we, as a collective, are responsible for creating the environment and dysfunction due to a lack of ability to adapt. Acknowledge that we cannot police our way out of this. The idea that we just send them away and the problem goes away isn’t true; 95 percent of the people who go to prison return to the community. Chicago has the most police per capita in the United States, and it hasn’t affected the violence.
Throughout every session, the importance of collaboration and community-building resonated deeply. From imagined conversations around a shared visions to brainstorming innovative solutions, there was a sense of collective determination to effect positive change.
Participation is key — whether through opening businesses, solving a need in the community, donating time or money, simply spreading the word on social media, or something totally different, everyone has a role to play in shaping Mansfield’s future. You just need to find the mode of contribution that makes the most sense for you.
Moreover, I can’t help but draw parallels between Austin and cities in the Midwestern Rust Belt like Mansfield, although they take different paths.
While Mansfield grapples with the impact of factory closures, Austin’s journey has been marked by its adept embrace of inclusivity and technology. Like a vibrant melting pot, Austin celebrates diversity as a source of creativity and resilience.
The city actively supports entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds, providing them with the tools and guidance needed to thrive. Austin’s innovative spirit shines through in initiatives like repurposing houses into thriving businesses, a testament to the community’s collective support for groundbreaking endeavors.
This mirrors the resilience and adaptability found in Rust Belt cities. By championing inclusivity, embracing technology, and providing robust support networks for entrepreneurs, we have the opportunity to reshape their narratives and pave the way for a brighter tomorrow.
As we prepare to depart Austin, I’m filled with confidence in my newfound teammates and the collective commitment to Mansfield’s well-being. Our time spent together has not only built friendships but has also ignited a shared passion for driving meaningful progress.
With each diverse perspective and skill set, I’m eager to see how we can leverage our strengths to propel Mansfield towards a brighter future.