“Knowing My Community”By: Rebekkah Althauser

Theme: Bellingham Community CapitalIntroduction Slide: Welcome to Bellingham, WA

Inspired by Mark S. Homan (2011) “Promoting Community Change: Making it happen in the real world”

“Environmental Requirements and Capital: Are open spaces available for recreation and visual appreciation?” (Homan, 2011) p. 120).Below is a photo of Mt. Baker taken from the Skyline Divide Trail, off of the Mt. Baker Highway in fall of 2011. Our community is enriched with outdoor activities as well as breathtaking scenery. Residents of Bellingham, WA and it’s surrounding areas often drive out the Mt. Baker highway to find beautiful hiking trails.

“Physical Requirements and Capital: What is the condition of buildings? Are all the systems routinely maintained to prevent problems?” (Homan, 2011, p. 121).

Below is a picture of the Whatcom Museum, a historical landmark of Bellingham. The museum was built in 1892 and used to be the Old City Hall. The museum was damaged in a fire in 1962. It was restored with the help of community fund raising

efforts. The Whatcom Museum is a great example of the care and maintenance of its community.

“Economic Requirements and Capital: How do people get access to goods and services? Do methods of exchange that don’t depend on money exist, such as bartering? (Homan, 2011, p. 121).

Below is a photo of the Bellingham Farmers Market. The Bellingham farmers market is a seasonal event that takes place downtown. Members of the community come to offer their goods and services to the community. The Bellingham farmers

market also creates a tourist attraction in which people from all over come to explore.

“Human Development Requirements and Capital: How are talents recognized and skills developed? What talents and skills exist among community members?” (Homan, 2011, p. 121).

Below is a photo taken during the infamous Bellingham art walk at the Jinx studio. The Bellingham art walk happens monthly in downtown Bellingham. There is a host of galleries and exhibits usually inhabiting a three block radius of downtown,

however it’s known to stretch all throughout the downtown vicinity. The Bellingham art walk is a great example of the many talents residing in our community.

“Political Requirements and Capital: What connections do members have to sources of political power both within and outside the community? Do members believe they have a right to participate in policy making?” (Homan, 2011, p. 122).

Below is a photo of the Occupy Bellingham protest. Hundreds of community members marched in protest, proclaiming “We are the 99%!” Some community members camped out in a local park, Maritime Heritage Park, since the end of October 2011

until being evicted in late December 2011.

“Information and Communication Requirements and Capital: How do members of the community learn what is going on in the community? In the world? How skilled are members in the use of information technology? What values support or limit its

use? Where do members have access to information technology?” (Homan, 2011, p. 122).Below is a photo of two men shaking hands outside the children’s section of the Bellingham library. The Bellingham library is one source in which the community goes to seek information technology. The Bellingham library is also an excellent resource

for learning about the history of Bellingham, worldly affairs and other resources such as internet usage.

“Cultural Requirements and Capital: What do forms of art and music reveal about the community’s perception of itself, its members, and its place in the world?” (Homan, 2011, p. 123).

Below is a photo of a good friend of mine, Samantha Riggs. Otherwise known as “Sam.” She is the Director/Choreographer of the “Portico Dance Company.” Sam and her dance crew perform traditional Bollywood, Bhangra and Tribal Belly Dance to

audiences around the Bellingham community. Her and her dance team are inspired by the culture of India and hope to inspire other locals by performing traditions of India’s music and traditions.

“Spiritual Requirements and Capital: How is spirituality valued by community members? Is it openly discussed?” (Homan, 2011, p. 124).

Below is a photo of different rocks that I believe can represent anything, even spirituality. Spirituality is found within oneself. Members of the Bellingham community are active in their spirituality by attending religious sanctuaries, and some veer more to the nonconformist spectrum of spirituality, such as partaking in outdoor activities, such as hiking, fishing, camping. In the

community of Bellingham, its members are respectful of all walks of spirituality.

“Social and Emotional Requirements of Capital: Do members of the community have the desire and the ability to work together? Do members have a strong sense of community identity? Do they take pride in the community and their membership in it?” (Homan, 2011, p.

124).Below is a photo of the annual “Ski to Sea” event in Bellingham. This event first started in 1911 called the Mt. Baker Marathon, and was considered to be a publicity stunt aimed at getting the government’s attention on this particular part of the region. Today, it has been

renamed Ski to Sea, which begins at Mt. Baker and ends in Bellingham Bay. The Ski to Sea annual event is a wonderful illustration of a community working together, a shared identity, and a sense of pride within the

community as a whole.

Bellingham is a city that is full of life and adventure. It is also a city that has proven throughout the years to be compassionate for it’s own with a drive for experiencing all that a community has

to offer. Everyone here is welcome to share their skills, creativity and uniqueness in order to maintain a healthy, happy, eventful place to live and call their own. Bellingham provides a great

example of the word “Community.”

ReferenceHoman, M.S. (2011). Promoting community change: Making it happen in the real

world (5th ed.). Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole.