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

Mon Mar 25 06:39:54 PDT 2013

thank you for all these ...

On Wed, Mar 20, 2013 at 6:30 PM, Skye Hirst <skyeh at autognomics.org> wrote:

> Looks wonderful, sounds wonderful.  I'll be right down.  (from Maine,
> USA)  We just had 14 inches of snow last night.  Welcome spring.  Happy
> spring all. in the northern hemisphere. Skye
>
>
> On Wed, Mar 20, 2013 at 9:15 PM, Robyn Williams <pov at iinet.net.au> wrote:
>
>> Hello****
>>
>> I’m a co-founder and resident of Pinakarri Community in Hamilton Hill,
>> Western Australia. However not too far away, closer to the beach in South
>> Fremantle, is Hulbert St, an excellent model of “community for the rest of
>> us”:
>> http://thepaintedfish.com.au/learning-about-sustainability/sustainable-education-with-a-home-grown-feel/hulbert-street/
>> ****
>>
>> ** **
>>
>> Best wishes, Robyn****
>>
>> ** **
>>
>> Robyn Williams****
>>
>> *See**Change**WA*****
>>
>> Communicate, facilitate and educate****
>>
>> for sustainability****
>>
>> M: 0424 587 262****
>>
>> E: pov at iinet.net.au****
>>
>> Fremantle ~ Geraldton****
>>
>> Western Australia****
>>
>> ** **
>>
>> 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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