Here are student summaries of fall 2024 MCJD dialogical surveys with the Street Roots community. Click on any title for details, then return to see all titles.
Conversations and EcoTypes: Discovering Shared Paths To Better Futures
Event: Street RootsInterviewer: Hlelelwe
Whom did you interview?
For my interview, I enjoyed talking to Craig, a vendor originally from Brightwood in Portland, Oregon. Craig has been a Street Roots vendor since 2009 and has been a Street Roots ambassador for about a year and eight months. Part of his job is to not only sell the papers but also to hand out supplies to other vendors.
How did your EcoTypes and SDG priorities compare?Surprisingly, both Craig and I had similar EcoTypes and SDG priorities. When I first took the quiz, I received the ‘Small Green Steps’ EcoType and strongly exhibited its qualities. Craig, although positioned between ‘Small Green Steps’ and ‘Land Stewardship’, leaned more towards ‘Small Green Steps’. Similarly, our SDG priorities were quite aligned. Craig chose SDGs 2, 4, 8, and 11 (zero hunger, quality education, decent work and economic growth, and sustainable cities and communities). My priorities were SDGs 3, 10, 11, and 13, which, like his, focused on the well-being of individuals and the continued development of societies.
What larger MCJD lessons did you learn?From this interaction, I realized that engaging in conversations about environmental issues and potential solutions can be incredibly enriching. Often, we hold narrow views, and our minds are made up about the best approaches. However, by opening up and discussing these topics with others, we can gain new insights and perspectives. You might find that your ideas differ significantly from those of the person you’re speaking with, or, as in my case with Craig, you might discover many similarities. Regardless, such conversations always leave you with something valuable.