No. 1901

When your self and my self come together in any form of relationship, a we is created. This we-space is intersubjective space in which communication between conscious beings generates shared experience, shared meaning, shared values, and shared beliefs. This is cultural space, a shared heart­space in which we generate the worldviews, norms, and ethics that shape our relationship and to which we hold each other accountable. This, of course, is the interrelational space in which Child and Youth Care is practiced.

There's another side to this heart-an interobjective side-that shows up in the systems and institutions that we create to structure our collective lives. Sometimes these structures show up as buildings, roads, schools, parks, and playgrounds. They also show up as economic systems, as educational systems, as governance systems, as justice systems. And within these systems, they show up as laws and policies, services, programs, and "best practices." These are the systems and structures within which Child and Youth Care is practiced.'

What's important to note is that at the heart of these structures are the collective values, beliefs, norms, and ethics that have been created in we-space. And what's at the heart of our collective values, beliefs, norms, and ethics are the interiors of our selves-each and everyone of us. We are not only shaped by society, we shape it with every breath we take.

Because all individual experience takes place in relational space. And all interpersonal relationships take place in the context of social structures and systems. It's all interconnected. And it's ever-changing.



See below: An Integral Map of Community (Appendix I) — for a more detailed look at the subjective, objective, intersubjective, and interobjective territory in which Child and Youth Care-like all professions-is practiced.

TAM LUNDY

Lundy, T. Presence and Participation: Being at the Heart of Change. In Bellefeuille, G. and Ricks, F. (2008). Standing on the Precipice: Inquiry into the creative potential of child and youth care practice. Edmonton: MacEwan Press. pp. 210-211.