Buffalo Co-Lab advances an equitable economy and democratic community, collaboratively integrating scholarly and practical understanding to strengthen civic action.
High Road Fellows
Sarah Coderre
I worked in a team to identify residential customers, recruit potential workers into a new Laborers International Union local, work with local contractors to implement the retrofit program, and develop related social media outreach.
Coming from a wealthy Northern Jersey region, I was never shown wide community-based organizations. It was an eye-opener to see the power and potential that these communities run organizations can acquire.
After speaking with the Department of Works and others from City Hall, I’ve realized that only having a good idea is not sufficient enough to get the city government on board. It takes more than a good idea, it takes persistence and a positive attitude.
I got to see how public policy being advanced through a grassroots, community-based approach. The numerous interactions we had with local politicians really opened my eyes to the workings of politics in Buffalo, and how tight-knit things are between local nonprofits here.
There's a lot to be done in our current political moment, and it's up to all of us to take on responsibility in building a society and economy that works for everyone.
My greatest takeaway from the summer is the need for greater resources and equitable hiring practices for students pursuing transformative workforce development opportunities, especially for students of color.
I learned how important it is for community members and organizations to fight for equity in whatever avenue of advocacy that they are called to. It was incredible to hear from community organizers who were all making significant change in Buffalo in so many different ways.
Working at FAB helped me understand how important arts-based programs are to the economic success and wellbeing of the community members in that region.
Civic participation and community involvement is crucial to social justice and progress and can create significant momentum to shape a High Road society.
The High Road is a way to help a community with rich history and diversity in a variety of different forms with the idea that collectivism will make Buffalo stronger and even better.
Throughout the summer, I have gained a glimpse into the tools and strategies community organizations deploy to address the disparities that plague our cities. I have realized how possible it is to create a tangible impact through this line of work.
Opportunities for collaboration exist almost everywhere, between industries I never would have expected and organizations I never would have thought of. The trick is to expect and think of them.
I was able to enhance my quantitative analytical and communication skills as well as gain valuable insight into local politics and socioeconomic issues.
There are a lot of people working very hard in each of our communities to make them the vibrant, creative, and kind places they are or could become: we must give them the tools to do the best work possible so that we might all thrive.
I don't think I can have a career in which I’m not serving the public good. The High Road meant so much to me in part because I got to get up every day and feel like I was doing something meaningful.
This summer I learned how expansive food systems are and how important public food purchasing is to the well-being of Black and brown community members and businesses.
There are numerous opportunity barriers faced by small business owners in today's world, whether it be predatory lenders or the ramifications of the current economic crisis; however, there are benevolent organizations (such as Community Development Financial Institutions) that legitimately care about and can provide quality services to those in need.
“I did High Road because I wanted to learn about and give back to the city that I care so much about because it’s a really unique place, and I’m proud to have grown up here. Through my work I was able to apply skills and knowledge that I have gained during my Cornell career.”
“I decided to take the ‘High Road’ and participate in this program because of my passion to engage in non profit work specifically. I wanted to get involved in an organization where implementing equality and opportunity were the main goals.”
“I loved living with and spending time with other women who share the same passion for social justice as me. We talked about issues in a class setting on Fridays and Wednesday dinners but would continue the conversation. I learned so much by just talking to them about their work, interests and passions. I read some beautiful poetry and blogs, learned about different communities, their policies and made lifelong friends.”
