Above all, the Texas Cluster teams stand out for foresight in planning. In each case, teams did not settle for simple end-of-the path projects-they eschewed dead end plans. Rather, they worked out proposals that were generative, plans that paved the way for hopeful future possibilities. To that end, any of the Texas teams could easily have been chosen as an emerging model of MIRA standards, lithe keyword is "cooperation," however, then perhaps the joint effort of the two Monte Alto teams in rehabilitating an abandoned building to be used as a community center deserves a closer look.
Early efforts to focus the energies of both teams was similar from the outset. Monte Alto residents already shared goals; beautification and safety were common themes. One team literally had concrete ideas about how to spend the MIRA funding: to provide sidewalks along village streets. Their original appeal, which included a request to place signage and streetlights along the local highway, was dropped in favor of broader plans.
Big thinkers on the team argued against thinking of safety and beautification as a one-shot effort, insisting instead that making real progress on these issues was a matter of ongoing community engagement. They proposed a place, a community center where youth and adults could gather. A community center could provide a place where generating ideas-such as paving sidewalks and lighting streets-would be the first step rather than the last.
The village's progress depended first upon getting youth off of the streets, and second upon constructive engagement of community members. "The community lacks a place for people-especially students-to enjoy themselves as well as educate themselves," according to one once-discouraged team member. "The streets are filled with roaming students who find other means of entertainment, such as destruction of property, graffiti, and theft."
Keeping that in mind, the team took a local property owner's offer to donate an abandoned building in downtown Monte Alto as a golden opportunity. The idea of a creating a recreational and educational center took on life.
Team members understood from the beginning that creating ownership was critical to the project's success. The building process was itself a constructive engagement involving about 40 area residents from ages 8 to 100, Over the course of many Saturday mornings, and with the guidance of experienced carpenters and professionals, the abandoned shell was transformed into habitable space, including provision for a new roof, electrical wiring, and modem plumbing.
The once white stucco facade had yellowed and was covered with graffiti. Team members had an answer. "We included people who never get involved," recalled one team leader. "The ones who were guilty of creating the graffiti were the ones who helped paint the building. They never did it before because they were never asked. All that needed to be done was for someone to ask. The project has really given people hope." One resident, in fact, reports that graffiti incidents in the village have dropped significantly as the formal opening of the community center nears.
Final preparations are underway. A pool table has been secured. MIRA funds helped to leverage four computers with Internet access and new software. A photocopier has been donated. The local school donated chairs and desks.
The Monte Alto team sees the possibility for a huge boost in morale and self- esteem from the educational and recreational center. A15-minute video documenting citizen participation during construction has been completed. People who use the center's resources will be instructed in the proper use of the equipment to ensure the longevity of the equipment and to broaden users' technological skills.
The finishing touch: a mural project. The white walls of Monte Alto's center will be covered with rich painted depictions of the life of people of south Texas, including interpretations from the mi grant point of view. Recent immigrants will be asked to participate. "Everybody will be an artist," concluded a beaming team leader.
Ill the end, the team's big understanding is that the completed community center will be more than just a physical space. Forward looking team members plan to produce a newsletter to inform citizens and local political figures. The community center publication will focus politicians' and residents' awareness of community needs. And then with increased political support Monte Alto can look forward to tackling some of their original ideas such as providing sidewalks or street signs as just the first of many projects that could make the community more attractive and safer for residents.
