Hey guys help required.

[metamorphosis]

I want to start a group, an organizations, a contingent of Young Somali adults. I have always been informed of this, but it has been bothering me more and more recently. I come from a small town and the somalis here are disorganized, and scattered around. They don't celebrate independence, they don't come together to make a change whether here in the diaspora or back home. We have a so called Somali community, mostly made of old men. I've been living in this city since 2004 and hitherto, I can't find ONE SINGLE positive change/difference/contributions they have made to the Somalis here or the ones back home or anything good for magaca Somali. Eventhough, I lead a busy life I decided to form a group made off young, educated adults who have genuine concern for their country, people, and culture. That's where I need your assistance. Should we attempt to give back the community here by targetting the youth and the kids. For example, tutoring them for their homeworks and stuff and telling them to have a hope higher than house and a wife 10k in the bank. Or should target the people back home, and the only way to do that would be collecting money and I am not a big fun of that as most Somalis will believe we'll be collecting the money for our own personal needs. What do you think? should I go on with this? The city is pretty messed up wallahi.

[arabmtu]

Better start making a difference in the life of one person, then a few, and once you gain experience, form a group, association or organization. Step by step.

[Twist]

It's really a good idea & can help a lot of the young people but as you may be aware of, there are always problems associated with anything related to making organizations/communities with/in/for Somalis & you've to be well prepared for it if you decide to go forward with your plan. You'll be faced with a lot of accusations, suspicions & even confrontations no matter how honest and well-intentioned your projects are because we are Somalis.

If you're ready for the headache & trouble and you have a good plan and also looking forward to making sacrifices (time, personal and even financial sacrifices every now and then from your own pocket) then try to find individuals from your own area who have the same visions & passions as yourself and also educated enough, people who are willing to work for the betterment of your community. Start it in that way & gradually increase the number of people before you make it public.

PS: Plan & think ahead of ways not to be suspected with anything tribal-related or money issues.

Good luck.

[Twist]

Better start making a difference in the life of one person, then a few, and once you gain experience, form a group, association or organization. Step by step.

[metamorphosis]

Twist. we'll see bro. thanks for your input and to you too arabmtu. I have got one person that has the same exact ideas as me but we fear that the people aren't ready for this kinda stuff. Can you imagine that there hasn't been a single gathering to do anything for community? waan yaabanahay.

[Twist]

Somehow that might be the best thing for everyone. Though it might sound cynical, I sometimes believe "Let the sleeping dogs lie" approach of life.

Intaad balaayo kaa sii jeedda isku soo jeedin lahayd in faraha laga qaadaa dhaanta. I am saying that 'cause I left Somalia about a decade ago, lived in diaspora about a decade now. I lived with different Somalis in 3 different countries with different circumstances & I know my personality type so getting evolved with community organizing is one of my weaknesses. You might have had some background experience in that field.

Just try to approach it slowly & with like-minded people and it may work, you never know.

[Lamagoodle]

A good initiative. If you live in the diaspora, organising sports activities helps.

In order for a change to come you may need to address the moral decay of our people; so you might need more..

[union]

Start a summer camp. Let them swim in the river, sleep under the stars, fish, etc. Make it fun, get a few volunteers and raise money in the community to rent some cabins out. Include some cultural aspects if you wish, but mainly do it to build character and ethnic kinship.

[1nemansquad]

you've been given a lot of good ideas, i would only add;
your target should be the young kids in your community, put all the time and effort you can spare in to them, believe me it will be beneficial to you as well
with the help of other young adults as well the exist Somali community and parents, you can find a location funded by city council or the Somali community and start a home-work centre where kids come and get help with whatever while including other activities

there might be just one kid in your community that nees help and if you can reach him/her then its a blessing

[Beans]

Good idea and Insha Allah u find like minded folks to help u.

Dont waste time reinventing the wheel.Visit the cities community centre and see what they have going on.They usually have funds and locations.For example,u could be doing a homework help for specifically for Somali kids once or twice a week at the library.They might provide reserved location and all the material resources.

The old and seniors with no relatives to help always need that extra help.Like some mentioned,stay away from financial drama as much as possible.

Good luck to u and i really hope u find others with similar drive and passion.

[metamorphosis]

you've been given a lot of good ideas, i would only add;
your target should be the young kids in your community, put all the time and effort you can spare in to them, believe me it will be beneficial to you as well
with the help of other young adults as well the exist Somali community and parents, you can find a location funded by city council or the Somali community and start a home-work centre where kids come and get help with whatever while including other activities

there might be just one kid in your community that nees help and if you can reach him/her then its a blessing

Yah kids because they are innocent from qabiil and are easiee to have an impact one. Thanks guys inshallah I will update you all if things go rite.