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

[Skye Hirst]

Yeah!! - I lived in NYC for 20 years in a 4 story brownstone - 8
apartments. I moved there from Mo, a little farm town.  No one knew anyone
in the building.  i invited everyone to a breakfast - they all came. We
stayed knowing each other for years - and doing much of what you imagined
here. it's not rocket science, but intention helps a lot.  Yes, yes, yes.
Thanks for reminding me of this. Skye


On Mon, Mar 18, 2013 at 1:51 PM, Robb Kushner <robbkushner at gmail.com> wrote:

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