By Ann Wilson Cramer, Chair – Atlanta Way 2.0 board
Yes, this is the perfect time to launch a movement for the purpose of strengthening the civic fabric of the Atlanta region — and for you to become involved! We call it a movement because everyone can participate! In fact, not just participate, but each person can be an “Activator” by strengthening the civic fabric in their lives and the lives of the people they touch!
The intent is that the Atlanta Way 2.0 encourages everyone to demonstrate a civic spirit that reflects a more inclusive and participatory way of resolving conflicts and addressing issues! To get the movement started, a diverse group of us have been making the initial plans to launch Atlanta Way 2.0, which is intended to capture the best of our past and engage all of us as we live in our present and future!
And wow — the inaugural board and honorary co-chairs mirror that hope for the inclusiveness and diversity of Atlanta Way 2.0! Our board is intergenerational, multicultural, interfaith, ITP-OTP (inside the perimeter and outside the perimeter), for-profit and nonprofit; large companies — small businesses; academic — arts; native Atlantans, long-time Atlantans, new to Atlanta; Black, white, Asian, Hispanic, different faiths, different viewpoints, sexual orientation — indeed a marvelous blend of our great Atlanta region!
Within that blend of marvelous diversity, we also have vast differences of opinion and perspective! Yes — we on the board are sometimes at odds regarding big issues — but that is exactly a reason for Atlanta Way 2.0!
We seek ways and reasons to come together with people who disagree so we can have a healthy conversation! We intend to intentionally identify opportunities to find common ground and to strengthen trusted relationships! We want to reduce conflict and maximize solutions with positive impact! And there is one thing we all have in common: a belief that the future of our great region depends on working together to solve our problems! We are Atlanta Way 2.0!
Yes, these amazing board members and honorary co-chairs embody our mission and vision, and they reflect you — religious pluralism, civil and human rights, social justice, major global corporations, innovators, activists, academics, arts, culture, environment, sustainability, film and media, journalism, education and legendary nonprofit, for-profit and public sector icons!
However, this is just the beginning! It means we must constantly expand our reach! We plan to increase the depth and breadth of formal engagement within our organization by creating advisory boards centered around issues and initiatives. We are dedicated to reflecting diverse perspectives and various points of view with a broad range of demographic representation!
One example is to harness the power and passion of younger generations of our city — high school and college-aged community members seeking to have their generational voices and concerns addressed and become ambassadors to the younger constituency! In fact, we are ready! Please email Britton Edwards if you want to be a part of this.
Personally, I work to embody the Atlanta Way 2.0 mission every day! I have a vision – “that we can provide an environment in which every child — every child — will grow up safe, housed, fed, healthy, educated, connected and employable, and will be able to grow into their own full potential as an interdependent contributing person — the circle of life continues!”
And my Atlanta Way 2.0 commitment is to “make connections” and “build bridges” with people who can bring this vision to reality! I use my vision to be the catalyst for my involvement with organizations, education partnerships, collective impact initiatives, innovative creative arts groups and faith-based collaboratives that focus on building a healthy community! These organizations reflect the village that will surround children, youth and families to become that strong, resilient, loving, beloved Atlanta!
Likewise, as I live into my Mantra: “Hope lives! Love always wins! Justice prevails! Face forward in faith! Persist with grace! Respect the dignity of every human being! Ever onward in gratitude… and Patience! Wage Peace! Always choose Joy! And Dance!”
I will commit to finding at least one Atlanta Way 2.0 moment every day! This happens through conversations and always having my “periscope up,” meaning I am on the lookout for opportunities to connect people who should know each other, provide advice or help to advance constructive efforts in some way! We will intentionally find specific and strategic ways to connect people to each other and to opportunities!
“Liminal spaces are transitional or transformative spaces. They are the waiting areas between one point in time and space and the next. Often, when we are in liminal spaces, we have the feeling of just being on the verge of something.” And yes, this year, 2024, is a “liminal moment” in history! We are definitely on the verge of something big!
This is why the launch of the Atlanta Way 2.0 movement is so critical! Many, many thanks to all who have already joined our movement as Activators! Now we are focused on encouraging each of you to be empowered and engaged!
It’s about the power of you — and the collective us! You can become part of the Atlanta Way 2.0 movement by signing up to be an Activator. We hope you will share your stories as you “activate” in so many ways! You are the secret sauce for Atlanta’s success! We are Atlanta Way 2.0!
Atlanta Way 2.0
The Atlanta Way, a concept that dates back to the early days of Atlanta, emerged as a driving force during the Civil Rights era when white and Black business and civic leaders worked together to resolve problems and issues peacefully. The cooperative approach of business and civic leaders helped Atlanta become a beacon of peace and resolution during the 1960s through the early 2000s.
Atlanta Way 2.0 is a modern-day concept aimed at connecting people and organizations for the greater good of the Atlanta region. Examples include bringing together people and organizations with related missions to work on common goals, introducing executives new to the city and helping them form community ties, and linking regional leaders facing challenges with people who can help them work on tangible solutions.
Unlike the historic Atlanta Way, composed mostly of powerful male leaders, Atlanta Way 2.0 will strive to be much more inclusive – embracing civic-minded people from all walks of life to become part of the multi-layered fabric that makes up our region.
Anne has always been a champion for Atlanta’s Social Activism, Social Justice and a driving force of the best of Atlanta as a city of Inclusivity.
Applause for your leadership, inspiration and commitment.
In these troubling times, I hope I can ease people out of their simmering outrage and appeal to our commonality as a means to create positive change.
One conversation at a time.
Ah the golden touch of Anne Kramer, the doyenne of Atlanta philanthropy…
It takes a lot of courage to truly seek out, genuinely engage with, and listen to people who we disagree with…especially on the things we feel most passionate about. I’ve found that every time I do this – and I strive to make it often (but need to up my game!) what results is not usually a “change of position“, but an increased understanding of a fellow human being, and a connection on a level much more important than the things driving politics for such a long time. The connection is usually mutual recognition that we are at our cores humans traveling the same mysterious road of life, doing our best, and desiring the best for those we love.