The evident lesson from low audience turn out was to know your
artist ahead of time and prepare your audiences for the adventure.
While community canvassing was relatively ineffectual in terms
of attendance, it was powerful in terms of establishing new
relationships with the people living and working around Frederick
Douglass School.
The difference between the canvassing for Congreso and that of
Will Power was that for the latter, children who lived in the area
canvassed with adult coalition members. The children were a
welcomed sight and gave the adults credibility. Neighborhood people
were happy to see the children involved in something positive and
happy that something was going to be done for the High School. The
young canvassers gained a deeper appreciation and understanding of
community organizing.
Coordination between the Coalition, the High School and the
primary venue (in this case, the Contemporary Art Center) is
essential.
