[OSList] Community for the Rest of Us: Knitting Neighbors Together

[Robb Kushner]

*Community for the Rest of Us: Knitting Neighbors Together*
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Robb Kushner - Jersey City - 2013*

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With all the advances in communications around the globe - and even in
space - the next frontier is right in our own backyard - in fact, just next
door. It’s the neighbors we don’t even know. Maybe we recognize them but
don’t know their names or anything else. Maybe we’re nervous about
developing a connection because we think we might not like them or we’ll
have a problem we can’t resolve.

Like Martin Luther King, I ALSO have a dream. I imagine neighbors in cities
and towns building relationships as they get to know one another. Some
people may become friends while others may just say “Hi” on the street.
But, in my dream, people will at least know who lives on their block. And
bonds of trust will be able to take root and grow. With time-tested ways to
communicate, we can all get along better and work through our differences.
Imagine being able to do that - what a concept!

As the saying goes, "There is much more that connects us than separates
us." We are all alive at this time, and the mere fact that we're breathing
and our hearts are beating is truly a miracle. And the miracle extends to
our being aware of - and open to - the people around us.

Clearly, the sense of community people used to feel is sorely lacking for
many. I don't know how long it's been since most people knew their
neighbors, but I imagine in earlier societies it was a basic part of
people's experience. And somewhere along the line - as our society has
become more complex - we lost touch with that part of ourselves.

Margaret Wheatley, founder of The Berkana Institute, author, and an expert
in this field, has said, "Whatever the problem, community is the answer."
In her work, she has been "preparing for unknown futures by creating strong
and sustainable relationships."

Intentional communities - such as ecovillages and co-housing - where people
choose to live in proximity based on common goals or ideals - serve as
examples of what life can be like when people feel a strong bond with their
neighbors. And while these communities exist in many countries - including
the US - they are exceedingly rare. That’s why I’m calling this idea
“community for the rest of us” - in the same way the Macintosh was
introduced in 1984 as “the computer for the rest of us.”

So what would a connected community look like? Let’s imagine that for a
minute:

Suppose that I now recognize all of the folks on my block. I learned their
names and saw their photos using an online application, Nextdoor, which has
been gaining a foothold across the US and provides a secure bulletin
board-type web site, available only to residents within a defined
geographic area. Due to a concerted enrollment effort - including periodic
open houses - we’ve reached 100% participation on our block. And we held a
block party during the winter to celebrate the achievement!

And let’s also imagine some of the potential benefits to developing
communication and trust on our block. Perhaps someday we could boast the
following:

   - Several of us on the block have developed skills in Nonviolent
   Communication and in conflict resolution - and we’re helping others learn
   them as well. So, bit by bit, we’re getting better at handling disputes in
   a constructive way.
   - We use our web site on Nextdoor to stay in touch regarding any
   occurrences of crime or vandalism - so it augments our crimewatch efforts.
   - We swap tools and equipment, so people can avoid purchasing expensive
   items that get used only once in awhile.
   - Some folks on the block have a meal sharing arrangement where they
   each have to cook only one meal a week - and they make enough to share.
   - I don’t have to pay the full cost of car ownership. A group of the
   neighbors share the use of several cars - enough so there’s always one
   available when needed - and we distribute the expenses.
   - Baby sitters can care for a few kids at a time on a given evening -
   and the kids have more fun in the process.
   - We have a communal composting arrangement, set up in some unused
   backyard space. A group of us contribute our food scraps to keep it going -
   and each of us can take back fantastically fertile soil for our flower or
   vegetable gardens.
   - Last summer, a group of us worked to establish a rain garden which not
   only beautifies our block, it helps harvest rainwater runoff and reduces
   the load in the city sewer system.


I see this challenge and opportunity as part of a global awakening that’s
happening - on many levels. People are realizing more and more how precious
life is - and that being more connected to each other - and to nature - is
fundamental to our collective growth.

Mr. Rogers had it right all along: “Won’t you be my neighbor?” We have
things to share - tangible and intangible - that can benefit us all.

I want to help make this vision a reality. Will you assist me? I’d love to
hear your thoughts - and suggestions!

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*About Robb:         *

I grew up on a suburban block in Maryland, just north of DC. Around us were
young families of varying backgrounds. I played with all the kids on the
block, and my parents knew nearly all the adults. This seemed like the
natural way of things. Then, during my college years in Boston and
Cambridge, I found myself living in an apartment building where hardly
anyone knew anyone else. “What a strange way to live,” I thought. Being
strangers to our neighbors has seemed odd to me ever since.

Over the years I’ve learned my forte includes turning people onto ideas,
places, people, music - and more - that I find interesting. I’m always
learning - in many areas - and I’m adept at connecting the dots to grasp
the larger picture. In recent years, my affinity with the natural
environment has deepened, and I realize more and more how we need to
connect with each other and also with the earth in moving toward a
sustainable future.

My career has woven the triple threads of learning, technology, and
relationship-building. I’ve taught people about systems and also designed
applications to help people learn and share knowledge. In a variety of
positions, I’ve developed skills working with others in a collaborative
mode. I’ve experienced many organizations steeped in the domination model
of top-down management and am eager to work with and within organizations
that are more “enlightened” in their management style.

I believe the future is bright for us, if we can truly wake up to all the
blessings we have and learn how to work together toward common goals.

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*Call to Action: How You Can Help*

In addition to your reaction to “Community for the Rest of Us,” perhaps you
can be of help in any of these ways:

   - Do you know someone with whom this vision may resonate? If so, I’d
   love to connect with them for a conversation.
   - Can you think of any organizations that might want to fund an
   initiative to help “knit neighbors together” as I’ve outlined here?
   - I am seeking to work for an “enlightened” organization with a focus on
   helping people connect and communicate in mutually supportive ways. Can you
   suggest someone who might be interested in my skill set and orientation?


Feel free to contact me at robbkushner at gmail.com or 201-349-4481

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