Join Belonging by Design, a free eight-week Lab created in response to community listening sessions and local social-connection research. Sessions run Fridays, April 3–May 22, and offer conversation, creativity, and a welcoming space to meet others. Register at https://forms.gle/9tzKCXEHHF7Pi63n6

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Belonging by Design: New Community Lab Launches in Fergus Falls Following Local Research on Social Connection

Fergus Falls, MN — A new eight-week creative Lab, Belonging by Design, will launch in Fergus Falls this April, offering residents a free opportunity to build connection, share stories, and strengthen community ties. The program runs Fridays, April 3 – May 22, from 5:30–7:00 PM, and is hosted by Mahube-Otwa in partnership with social architect and lab designer Victoria McWane-Creek, founder of Organization 4 Full Participation.

The Lab was developed by McWane-Creek in direct response to findings from recent community-based research they conducted in Fergus Falls. In November, McWane-Creek aka Miss Rose’s Daughter held a series of drop-in listening sessions at the Fergus Falls Public Library as part of Springboard for the Arts’ Artists Respond: Artists Weaving Social Connection. Residents shared a desire for low-pressure spaces to meet new people, predictable environments where they could “just be,” and creative ways to talk about memory, identity, and isolation.

Additional insights came from two micro-activations McWane-Creek held at WholeHeart Collective in November and December: Fergus Falls Into Community. Participants said the events made them feel “seen, not judged,” and appreciated having choice, agency, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Many expressed that even the brief interactions created a sense of belonging.

“These conversations made it clear that people want spaces where connection feels natural, not forced,” McWane-Creek said. “I created Belonging by Design directly from what folks said they needed.”
The Lab will use conversation, creative activities, and McWane-Creek’s Memory Mining method to help participants feel more connected, express their stories, and build confidence and agency. Each session includes refreshments and creative materials.

An optional public open mic and exhibition will be held May 23 at WholeHeart Collective to celebrate the stories and artwork created during the Lab.

The program is free, and registration is required to help steward materials and food.
Register at: https://forms.gle/9tzKCXEHHF7Pi63n6

Media Contact

Victoria McWane-Creek
Founder & Social Architect, Organization 4 Full Participation
(218) 227-3255
Victoria@org4fullparticipation.com