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Running head: “LIVE, LAUGH, AND PLAY THE HARRISON WAY” 1
“Live, Laugh, and Play the Harrison Neighborhood Way”
A Summary Paper
Presented to
The Faculty of the Adler Graduate School
________________
In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for
the Degree of Master of Arts in
Adlerian Counseling and Psychotherapy
________________
By:
Teasha LaShene Reid
May 2012
“LIVE, LAUGH, AND PLAY THE HARRISON WAY” 1
Abstract
The purpose of the study is to recreate a manual that will support Harrison Neighborhood
Association in planning for a healthier and safer community. Specifically, the project determines
which documents within the manual will guide effective planning. The project takes on a single
case study approach of one neighborhood. Data was collected from a number of sources
including City of Minneapolis Data on Harrison neighborhood, research on neighborhood
planning groups, Hennepin County Records, and Harrison Neighborhood Association
documents.
“LIVE, LAUGH, AND PLAY THE HARRISON WAY” 2
“Live, Laugh, and Play the Harrison Neighborhood Way”
This project involved an update and refinement of the Harrison Neighborhood
Association Planning and Development Manual. The theory that guided this assessment was
developed by Alfred Adler (1870-1937) where he stressed the need to understand individuals
within their social context. He further maintained that within all arenas of society; home, church,
school, especially, in the community, one must consider plans from a holistic theory of
personality, both from an individual and group perspective. Adler established seven theoretical
principles; Unity of the Individual (UI), Goal Orientation (GO), Self-determination and
Uniqueness (SDU), Social Context (SC), The Feeling of Community (TFOC), Mental Health
(MH), Treatment (TMT).
Adlerians believe that Unity of the Individual is based on ones thinking, feelings,
emotions, and behaviors that can only be understood within one’s individual lifestyle and
context. Goal Orientation is premised on one’s central personality and energy derived from the
growth and progression as one is socialized throughout life. Self-determination and Uniqueness
according to Adler is where one’s fictional goal is influenced by hereditary and cultural nuances
and traditions (both kinship groups and larger group traditions). Social Context views individuals
and groups as an indivisible whole, a system, while considering the individual as part of the
larger whole. Adlerians also believe “The Feeling of Community” gives the person capacity for
learning to live in harmony with society. Adlerians further maintain that Mental Health provides
the individual with a feeling of human connectedness and willingness to develop fully and
contribute to the welfare of others. Adlerian “Treatment” provides individual psychotherapy,
brief therapy, couple therapy, and family therapy that follow parallel paths. “Clients are
“LIVE, LAUGH, AND PLAY THE HARRISON WAY” 3
encouraged to overcome their feelings of insecurity… and to redirect their striving for more
socially beneficial directions”. (Alfred, A. 2006).
Description of Project
The project makes use of a single case study approach to urban development planning
focused on urban neighborhood planning board arrangements outlined in the board manual. In
this case, the researcher used the board’s manual and criteria for exploring the best way to guide
the organization’s goals to enhance the quality of life for neighborhood residents. In this project,
a single case study approach is used to examine one planning group criteria manual for
improving life in Harrison Neighborhood. A theoretical framework is used to make
generalizations to other settings. The observer sought to determine how the board members
manual planned for residents in the neighborhood. A theory is applied to the case study approach
to make the project generalizable to other settings.
Statement of the problem
The difficulty with this urban planning board is to determine the ways policies create
goals and activities that aid in the planning for HNAs health and safety?” How might HNA
redefine in its policy manual ways to realistically align authentic goals of Harrison
Neighborhood Association with Adlerian notions of “great life tasks” such as love, family,
community and ones basic desires and goals to belong and feel significant in a
neighborhood/community?
Purpose of the study
The purpose of the study is to assist an urban neighborhood planning board to better
realign its documents in its planning manual with the city’s data and artifacts on the
neighborhood to make Harrison a healthier and safer community. To this end, the purpose of the
“LIVE, LAUGH, AND PLAY THE HARRISON WAY” 4
study is to refine the HNA manual while serving in the dual roles of Board member and graduate
student to satisfy both ends. That is, I am secretary to the Harrison Neighborhood Association
and a student researcher seeking to make change in the HNA manual, therefore, this dual role
shaped and helped to progress the project. What brought me to this point is, on one occasion I
was taking minutes at the board meeting and realized how board members are often quick to vote
“YES” on actions that sound good, or proposals that may be based on friendship bonds from the
community, but that falls short of the HNA mission and purpose. I wanted to know whether we
needed to refine the manual that guides the group, so it was important to me to include “Roberts
Rules of Order,” to hold the board accountable for actions. I am also requesting at our annual
meeting (this meeting is devoted to changing the roles and responsibilities of board members)
that a process be put in place for proposal submissions. That is, before a proposal is considered
from HNA partners, that all requests be submitted to the board prior to the each meeting.
Furthermore, that all proposals be reviewed by the board prior to the meeting, so that board
actions are based on informed decisions. This idea will be presented to and voted on by the
board and made part of the manual. To this end, the board will not be seen as a group who votes
an automatic “YES” to HNA partners who may live, work or own property in the Harrison
community. This addition to the manual will also afford the HNA board the much needed
“image” to the community and other non-profits, that the HNA board holds open, informed, and
extensive discussions surrounding a issue before taking action.
Significance of the Study
This study focused on the board manual that guides urban planning. Specifically, the
board’s desire is to bring together the neighborhood into a unified whole that provides sentiments
of love, social interest and togetherness, and feelings of belonging. Furthermore, the board must
“LIVE, LAUGH, AND PLAY THE HARRISON WAY” 5
create a manual that guides their understanding of individuals and groups within their social
context in order to plan for a wholesome neighborhood. In this case, the goal is to assist the
Harrison Neighborhood Association Planning Board in connecting and strengthening its
manual/criteria in such a way that it more closely mirrors and satisfies the needs of its residents.
The researcher is faced with helping the organization to realize their goals and activities in a
more unified fashion, safe and healthy community. That is, the board sought to develop a closer
knit neighborhood by establishing criteria that leads to feelings of togetherness, belonging, and
significance to the community.
Literature Review
This literature review covers information related to urban community board planning
boards and their manuals. The project follows the LISC Planning handbook for community
board planning and board manuals. Specifically, LISC partners with neighborhood groups to
improve “quality of life” plans. LISC gives eight strategies for community planning boards to
reach healthier and safer neighborhoods. Strategies taken by LISC and followed in this project
are to include in HNAs planning manual the following:
Expand access to parks and open space by improving facilities and creating a large new
park.
Make high-quality education for youth and adults the cornerstone of planning
Create a safe and peaceful community through violence prevention, gang intervention
and increased resources for youth and families
Foster healthier families by improving and expanding health and social services for all
residents, regardless of age, income or immigration status.
Improve the business district and create new mixed-use developments
“LIVE, LAUGH, AND PLAY THE HARRISON WAY” 6
Attract sustainable, environmentally friendly industry and expand economic
opportunities for local workers
Maintain the neighborhood attractive and affordable housing and create new housing to
meet changing needs.
Create and expand arts opportunities for youth and families.
This project incorporated documents suggested by LISC that would structure the Harrison
board’s strategies. (City of Chicago: publication of LISC/Chicago’s New Communities Program,
2003)
Literature on community planning board manual’s use project oriented reports as
opposed to full blown academic research designs. The reports maintain that when working with
non-profit organizations in community settings the creation of effective manuals are critical.
Elizabeth Bolton and the Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences (2009)
maintain that there are essential elements or specific criteria relative to projects that must go into
planning manuals and guide planning. That is, according to these project developers, a
description of the manual’s documents can be an 1) organizational chart, 2) listing of the offices,
their functions, 3) how they are elected or appointed, 4) length of service and qualifications, and
5) specific duties associated with each office must be placed in the manual to guide planning. For
instance, there needs to be a sense of the history of the organization, a strategic framework with
mission, vision, and objectives, board policies, minutes for the past year’s board meetings,
financial statements, legal documents, staff names, among other important documents that guide
the board. Documents collected will depend on the community context, resident needs, and
likes.
“LIVE, LAUGH, AND PLAY THE HARRISON WAY” 7
Several community board projects maintain that there are particular documents that
should be placed in board manuals in order to effectively guide the organization. These projects
note that regardless of the type of planning board there must include in its manual particular
items to guide planning. For instance, the sidewalk café manual highlighted New York City
statues and board planning for sidewalk cafes. The manual states clearly that in order for cafes to
be approved, they must adhere to the following: 1) remind them of City-wide procedures for
applying for a cafe license 2) remind them of City-wide regulations on cafe construction and
operation; and 3)inform them of the Board's criteria for approving cafe applications. However,
because this manual is not an official statement of City regulations, applicants should consult the
relevant laws and regulations, and 4) and City agencies for definitive, current regulatory
interpretations (Community Board 7/Manhattan Manual for Sidewalk Café Applicants, 2011).
Another project on developing a strong board and manual focused on the importance of
strengthening policies and documents in order to chart the path for nonprofit manuals. Several
important questions were posed in the article in order to chart the course for board planning and
manual. For instance, is the board prepared and informed enough to make good decisions? Are
the correct people serving on the board? Why is Board Leadership and Development important
to the success of nonprofits? It further argued that Boards are the driving force in the planning of
the future for nonprofits. That is, they are responsible for driving the mission and vision of the
organization; board members need to hold themselves accountable for their performance when
doing the work of the organization. These writers further maintain that an effective board can
provide a foundation for the mission of the organization and a framework of expectations that
make it possible for the management, staff, and volunteers to focus upon the day-to-day tasks of
making that mission a reality (Condon, 2009).
“LIVE, LAUGH, AND PLAY THE HARRISON WAY” 8
Literature on community boards and their manuals target the importance of strategic
planning. In a blog on strategic planning the writers maintain that there are three methods which
are used by community boards for developing strategies for the future. According to these
writers, strategies tell "how to get there." There are three approaches to planning revealed: 1)
Goal Approach 2) Critical Issues Approach 3) Scenario Approach. The Goal Approach is where
the Board has approved vision and mission statements, development and prioritization of goals
becomes the next challenge. This approach is one that identifies an end to which the organization
aspires, what is hoped to be achieved. According to this blog, Critical Issues Approach is the
result of the environmental assessment which is a list of critical issues. The blog highlights the
Scenario Approach which requires the development of several pictures (scenarios) of what the
agency might be in need of for two or more years. This project stated that scenarios should be
evaluated in terms of the agency’s vision and mission, community needs and financial feasibility,
and should identify the advantages and disadvantages of each scenario and select one, and
determine if the scenario is feasible, then translate it into a strategic plan. (Challenging Children
Conference, 2012)
The writer maintains that documentation of the Strategic Plan decisions must be made
through preparation of the strategic plan, focusing on goals, strategies and objectives, the
Strategic Planning Committee assigns responsibility for achieving these objectives, specifies the
timetable by which each is to be accomplished and determines what resources are required to
accomplish each objective. (Barry, B.1991).
According to McNamara and the blog for-profits and non-profits, contents of board
policies manuals may differ somewhat among different organizations, depending on the needs
and nature of the organization. But, regardless of the content, manuals should be provided to
“LIVE, LAUGH, AND PLAY THE HARRISON WAY” 9
each board member. “This manual greatly helps to orient and train new Board members, and
ensure efficient organization and access to these materials”. (McNamara, C. 2012). The items are
certainly not required for all manuals, but provide handy reference for consideration by each
organization about what to include in their manuals. There were a number of boards and manuals
described and responded in recent blogs. For instance the Sooner Start/Interagency Coordinating
Council for Early Childhood Intervention (ICC). The Sooner Start programs are both models of
interagency coordination for the delivery of services to infants and toddlers, from birth to age
three, who have disabilities, and their families. The State Department of Education is the lead
agency, with the OCCY coordinating the advisory council. The model used in Oklahoma was
recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as one of the three best programs in the nation.
(Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth December 2006).
Another board and its manual’s contents is the Post Adjudication Review Board
Administration (PARB). Post Adjudication Review Boards review documentation of court cases
involving children who have been adjudicated as Deprived or Delinquent. The PARBs function
in an advisory capacity to district courts, making findings and recommendations regarding the
appropriateness of treatment and service plans, permanency planning, and services provided to
the child and family. The Child Death Review Board is a multidisciplinary board responsible for
reviewing the deaths of children in Oklahoma and providing statistical data and systems
evaluation information to develop recommendations for the improvement of policies, procedures,
and practices within and among agencies that protect and serve children. (Oklahoma
Commission on Children and Youth December 2006).
“LIVE, LAUGH, AND PLAY THE HARRISON WAY” 10
Methodology
The researcher used a case study research approach in collecting documents to realign the
board manual. This approached required the researcher to collect documents from City of
Minneapolis data on Harrison Neighborhood. This information was collected from the internet.
The board documents were collected from the Director of the Harrison Neighborhood
Association and board members. Research on urban board planning was collected from the
internet and library. Artifacts were gathered from City of Minneapolis, LISC/Chicago’s New
Committees Program Planning Manual (2003) which served as the framework for this project.
Design of the project
The project design was a single case study of one neighborhood planning board’s manual.
City of Minneapolis, LISC/Chicago’s New Committees Program Planning Manual (2003) served
as the framework for the project. That is, since LISC is in partnership with HNA, and it has a
proven record for neighborhood planning, it was selected to serve as the project framework.
Also, LISC inclusion of documents mirrored those illuminated throughout the research for
effective neighborhood planning. Some of the early criticism of the single case study as a
research methodology was that it was unscientific in nature, and replication was not possible.
Denzin & Y. S. Lincoln (Eds.), Handbook of Qualitative Research (2000) maintains that
incorporating a theoretical framework into a single case helps to generalize to other situations.
But, according to case study research (Yin, 1994) a single case study project will include project
objectives, case study issues, and presentations about the topic under study. This is a single case
study design that used field procedures that required HNA representatives to make available all
documents and artifacts pertaining to the HNA board. The questions that guided the study were:
“LIVE, LAUGH, AND PLAY THE HARRISON WAY” 11
What documents must be included to guide planning in order to make Harrison a stronger
and healthier neighborhood?
What policies are needed?
What documents are needed?
What criteria will I use to collect documents for inclusion in the manual?
What patterns are revealed from historical inventory records?
What replacement and enhancement of documents are needed?
What managerial issues arise from documents placed in manual?
What additional resources will be needed now and in the future for board consideration?
How do the board members view the availability of information in the manual?
How will the board balance the need for technology changes with the need to continue
routine tasks?
How does the board plan to meet current demand for service while preparing for strategic
long term goals?
In terms of design for case studies, (Yin 1994) presented three conditions for the design;
a) the type of research question posed, b) the extent of control an investigator has over actual
behavioral events, and c) the degree of focus on contemporary events.
No single source has a complete advantage over others; rather, they might be complementary and
could be used in tandem. Thus a case study should use as many sources as are relevant to the
study. Table 1 indicates the strengths and weaknesses of each type of document:
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Table 1
Types of Evidence
Source of
Evidence
Strengths Weaknesses
Documentation stable - repeated review of documents to
be included
active participant – HNA board member
prior to initiation of case study
exact - names and bios (see board manual)
broad coverage - extended time span
retrieve ability - difficult
biased selectivity
reporting bias - reflects author
bias
access - may be blocked
Archival Records stable - repeated review
precise and quantitative
access - may be blocked
privacy might did not inhibit
access
Direct Observation reality – observation of events in
neighborhood in real time
contextual - covers event context
time-consuming
selectivity - might miss facts
reflexivity - observer's presence
might cause change
cost - observers need time
Participant
Observation
reality – observation of events in
neighborhood in real time
insightful into interpersonal behavior
time-consuming
selectivity - might miss facts
reflexivity - observer's presence
might cause change
bias due to investigator's actions
Physical Artifacts insightful into cultural features
insightful into technical operations
Selectivity
availability
Archival records were collected since they include, maps, charts, lists of names, survey
data, and even personal records such as diaries. The investigator must be meticulous in
determining the origin of the records and their accuracy (Yin, 1994).
The study involved participant or active participant observation as a unique mode of
observation in which the researcher actually participated in the events being studied, board
meetings, committee meetings, etc. While the information may not be available in any other way,
the drawbacks should be carefully considered by the researcher. Physical artifacts are any
“LIVE, LAUGH, AND PLAY THE HARRISON WAY” 13
physical evidence that might be gathered during a site visit. That might include art works,
notebooks, computer output, and other such physical evidence (Yin, 1994).
These techniques could be used in studies of neighborhoods or organizations. The main
concern is the potential bias of the researcher as an active participant.
Project development
The researcher collected documents pertaining to Harrison Neighborhood and placed
particular documents in the board manual. Some documents were eliminated. Ultimately, the
researcher decided documents to be included in the manual.
Target population
The HNA board and manual served as the focus of the project and target population. The
strategy was to develop a manual (i.e., add/delete documents, rewrite/revise documents) to serve
the needs of the neighborhood. The manual will serve the board as they plan neighborhood
activities.
Conclusion
The project revealed that City of Minneapolis documents were poorly written and
communicated negative messages about groups in Harrison, e.g., “seedy, undesirables,”“The
Negros.” I question whether City of Minneapolis should add to their documentation a newer
version of several of their documents to reflect present day language and messages respectful of
Harrison residents and all residents throughout the city. After careful review of the project and
roles and responsibilities of the Secretary, I better understand my role as a board member and
secretary to the board. I learned about my additional responsibilities as secretary to the board
such as getting to know and report back to the group the businesses in Harrison Neighborhood. I
also learned about the role that city and state officials’ play in the development of the
“LIVE, LAUGH, AND PLAY THE HARRISON WAY” 14
community. That is, city and state officials oftentimes are called upon by community boards to
justify their stand on issues related to the neighborhood. Yet, oftentimes there is an unequal
distribution of funds between neighborhoods. Also, it was revealed that communication
strategies need to be frequently updated so that residents are consistently informed on
neighborhood matters. In addition, community boards must formulate committees to educate
residents about diversity; neighborhood boards need strong policies to guide the board so that
strong leadership emerges; stakeholders such as businesses, foundations, grants, universities, and
other community funding agencies throughout the area is important to creating a healthy and safe
community. Therefore, it was critically important to my thinking that residents be provided a
resource guide on the neighborhood.
Limitations/Suggestions for Future Projects
Limitations of this project are the project focused on one small neighborhood planning
group and its criteria, i.e., mission, goals, activities. Perhaps, a comparison to other
neighborhoods throughout the city might reveal a truer picture of the overall community in terms
of funding, crime prevention, housing opportunities, mental and social wellness and the like.
Future projects should compare neighborhoods throughout the city to determine the have and
have nots throughout the city and how city leaders respond to the needs of each neighborhood.
“LIVE, LAUGH, AND PLAY THE HARRISON WAY” 15
Harrison Neighborhood 1935
City of Minneapolis Profiles
“NEGRO SECTION”, “SLUM” (Largest in City)
“LIVE, LAUGH, AND PLAY THE HARRISON WAY” 16
Harrison Neighborhood 2012
City of Minneapolis Profiles
“LIVE, LAUGH, AND PLAY THE HARRISON WAY” 17
Reference List
Adler, A. (2006). Education for prevention. H. T. Stein (Ed.), G. L. Liebenau (Trans.).
Bellingham, WA: Classical Adlerian Translation Project.
Barry, B. (1991). Strategic planning workbook for nonprofit organizations, St. Paul, MN:
Amherst H. Wilder Foundation.
Bolton, E. (2009). Working with nonprofit organizations in community settings: Governance,
board officer descriptions. Gainesville, FL: University of Florida Department of Family,
Youth and Community Sciences.
City of Minneapolis: Minneapolis Neighborhood Profiles, Harrison Neighborhood, 2006
(Minneapolis GIS Files).
Condon, D., & Bingham, K. (2009). The perfect nonprofit: A holistic, balanced approach to non-
profit management. West Haven, CT: Diversified Nonprofit Services LLC.
Denzin & Y. S. Lincoln (2000). Handbook of qualitative research. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
Granpeesheh, D. (2012, March). Challenging Children, Symposium conducted at the meeting of
Challenging Children Conference, Johannesburg, South Africa.
McNamara, C. (2012). Two basic types of organization: For profit (business) and nonprofit.
Retrieved from http://managementhelp.org/organizations/types.htm
New York City. (2011). Community board 7/Manhattan manual for sidewalk café applicants,
2011 (CB7 Sidewalk Café Manual)
Pollock, L., & Patrick B. (2003). Planning handbook. Chicago IL: LISC/Chicago’s New
Communities Program
State of Oklahoma: Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth December 2006 (Executive
Order 2006-4 issued January 27, 2006; Oklahoma State Statutes Title 70, 1989 §13-121
“LIVE, LAUGH, AND PLAY THE HARRISON WAY” 18
et seq., The Oklahoma Early Intervention Act, Public Law 99-457, as amended by the
Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004, Public Law 108-446.
Yin, R. (1994). Case study research: Design and methods (2nd
ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage
Publishing
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