Hummingbird is a community education podcast produced by evolutionforward a nonprofit network dedicated to child-parent wellbeing, alternative education systems, and antiviolence (www.evolutionforward.org
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Welcome to Hummingbird - a community education podcast capturing conversations between colleagues, friends, and community leaders that bolster our understanding of ourselves, of others, and of our communities. Listening to (hi)stories from trusted sources helps us learn from experiences across generations, disciplines, and points of view in ways that supercharge our capacity and effectiveness. My name is Elizabeth Allyson Crawford - or “Zelle” for short - and I’m your host for this episode of Hummingbird. I’m a teacher, a dancer, and some other things, but most importantly I’m a child development specialist with a focus on intergenerational wellbeing. I’m originally from Boston myself, although these days I call New York City home. Today, I’m very happy to introduce you to my friend Bill Walczak - a community leader, public health advocate, and educator - in Dorchester, MA, specifically the neighborhood called Savin Hill. Bill was born and raised in NJ but it seems like he’s from Boston now after decades committed to local communities there. Bill is most associated with the re-development of the Codman Square area of Boston, a multi-cultural community which was founded in the 1970s and became an area known for racial unrest and economic disintegration. Bill was founding president and CEO of the Codman Square Health Center - a major factor in the regeneration of the community - is founding president of Codman Academy Charter School, and most recently was CEO of the South End Community Health Center. He’s been President and CEO of health care organizations for over 40 years and while he’s technically retired from regular employment, he has a very full dance card and writes a weekly column for the newspaper, The Dorchester Reporter. Bill is an advisor and trustee to many important local organizations including Bunker Hill Community College and the Massachusetts Business Alliance and has worked on multiple Gubernatorial and Mayoral Transition Committees. Bill has supported community regeneration efforts in a number of countries around the world, and was involved with the Northern Irish peace process for over a decade. He’s received numerous awards for his work and ideas. We’re continuously improving our “Listening & Learning Guides” so please share thoughtful comments about what you liked, what you learned, and any good questions you may have considered, about a topic, in the comments below any episode. If you’d like to suggest a segment, a guest, or a sponsor for future episodes, please message us on instagram @evolutionforward or email info@evolutionforward.org. Thanks so much for listening, we hope you enjoy!
At the end of my extensive conversation with Bill Walczak - community leader, public health advocate, and educator - in Dorchester, MA this year, we wrapped up with a discussion about the future of Boston, persistent challenges with low voter turnout, and The City’s unique "Strong Mayor System." As U.S. elections approach, we’re pre-launching this community education podcast with a special “Outro" that serves as a timely reminder of the importance of our collective civic engagement. I enjoyed hearing about the real role of Boston's Mayor from Bill and I hope that you will too. Please don't forget to vote, not only in this upcoming national election cycle, but as the norm in your community. Thanks for listening! ”Zelle” (Elizabeth) Allyson Crawford, contributing host Full Episode Coming Soon Stay tuned in general @evolutionforward (Instagram) or at www.evolutionforward.org Did you learn something from this episode? Please tell us about it (thoughtful comments only please) and feel free to suggest learning questions for our emerging “Guide to Governance” for families and all ages (U.S. focus).
