Reciprocity in Community Practice: Reflections from an Arts-based Climate Justice Project with Adolescents

This chapter explores community engagement through the dual praxis of a community member acting as both an insider and an outsider. Using personal reflections from an arts-based project in an immigrant community, it highlights the transformative potential of art to centre their lived experiences, overcome language barriers, and advance social justice through artistic expression. It also addresses the challenges of community engagement, highlighting the need for reflective practices among both community members and outsiders, as well as the critical roles of intentional listening and building reciprocal relationships. This reflection, drawn from my experiences, encapsulates the essence of community engagement and the joy of collaborating with children, adolescents, and immigrant women.