Powerful video: Why we need churches involved in neighborhoods

http://connectingthechurch.wordpress.com/2006/04/03/the-church-is-everywhere-part-2/

Social Capital generated at community gatherings

I think the Community Gathering is an ideal place where people can be inspired and empowered to do things that are constructive in society. The Community Gathering makes it easier for people to be and do good. Here is a definition of social capital (author unknown–sorry about that–I lost track of where I got this)

What does “social capital” mean?
The central premise of social capital is that social networks have value. Social capital refers to the collective value of all “social networks” [who people know] and the inclinations that arise from these networks to do things for each other ["norms of reciprocity"].

How does social capital work?
The term social capital emphasizes not just warm and cuddly feelings, but a wide variety of quite specific benefits that flow from the trust, reciprocity, information, and cooperation associated with social networks. Social capital creates value for the people who are connected and - at least sometimes - for bystanders as well.

Social capital works through multiple channels:
Information flows (e.g. learning about jobs, learning about candidates running for office, exchanging ideas at college, etc.) depend on social capital norms of reciprocity (mutual aid) are dependent on social networks. Bonding networks that connect folks who are similar sustain particularized (in-group) reciprocity. Bridging networks that connect individuals who are diverse sustain generalized reciprocity. Collective action depends upon social networks (e.g., the role that the black church played in the civic rights movement) although collective action also can foster new networks. Broader identities and solidarity are encouraged by social networks that help translate an “I” mentality into a “we” mentality. What are some examples of social capital? When a group of neighbors informally keep an eye on one another’s homes, that’s social capital in action. When a tightly knit community of Hassidic Jews trade diamonds without having to test each gem for purity, that’s social capital in action. Barn-raising on the frontier was social capital in action, and so too are e-mail exchanges among members of a cancer support group. Social capital can be found in friendship networks, neighborhoods, churches, schools, bridge clubs, civic associations, and even bars. The motto in Cheers “where everybody knows your name” captures one important aspect of social capital.

For more information on social capital, read Chapter 1 of Bowling Alone or see the following.

Civic Practices Network (CPN) has a good description of social capital.

Briggs, Xavier de Souza. “Social Capital and the Cities: Advice to Change Agents.” National Civic Review 86, No. 2 (Summer 1997): 111-118.

Berry, Jeffrey M., Kent E. Portney, and Ken Thomson. The Rebirth of Urban Democracy. Washington, DC: Brookings Institution, 1993.

Ehrenhalt, Alan. The Lost City: Discovering the Forgotten Virtues of Community in the Chicago of the 1950s. New York: BasicBooks, 1995.

Lemann, Nicholas “Kicking in Groups.” Atlantic Monthly (April 1996): 22-24.

Loury, Glenn “The Social Capital Deficit.” The New Democrat (May-June 1995): 28-29.

Loury, Glenn, “The Divided Society and the Democratic Ideal.” Boston University’s University Lecture, 1996.

Portes, Alejandro & Patricia Landolt, “The Downside of Social Capital.” The American Prospect 26 (May-June 1996): 18-21, 94. http://epn.org/prospect/26/26-cnt2.html

Potapchuk, William R., Jarle P. Crocker and William H. Schecter, Jr. “Building Community with Social Capital: Chits and Chums or Chats with Change.” National Civic Review 86, No. 2 (Summer 1997): 129-140.

Putnam, Robert D. Making Democracy Work. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press, 1993.

Schambra, William and Michael S. Joyce. “A New Citizenship, A New Civic Life.” The Hudson Institute: 139-163.

Skocpol, Theda. “The Tocqueville Problem.” Address to Annual Meeting of the Social Science History Association, New Orleans, October 12, 1996. [There is an adaptation of this available here.]

Vanourek, Gregg, Scott Hamilton, and Chester Finn. Is There Life After Big Government?: The Potential of Civil Society. The Hudson Institute.

Verba, Sidney, Kay Lehman Schlozman, and Henry E. Brady. Voice and Equality: Civic Voluntarism in American Politics. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 1995.

Walzer, Michael, “Civility and Civic Virtue in Contemporary America.” In Radical Principles: Reflections of an Unreconstructed Democrat. New York: Basic Books, 1980.

Walzer, Michael. “Idea of Civil Society.” Dissent (Spring 1991): 293-304.

Wilson, William Julius. When Work Disappears: The World of the New Urban Poor. New York: Knopf, 1996.

[for more in depth information on Social Capital visit www.ksg.harvard.edu/saguaro/]

 

Why Thriving Neighborhoods are so important

“Environment is stronger than will power” is something that has stuck in my mind ever since I heard this phrase. To me, it means that when we live in an environment that makes it easier for us to be productive, creative, kind, serving, growing, and so forth–it is a lot more productive than just trying to use our will power to push through difficult circumstances.

If you look at nature, preparing the soil is the most important aspect of growing healthy plants. Children need protected environments in order to survive and thrive. Adults continue to have such needs as: a sense of place, a sense of belonging, a feeling that they are fulfilling a purpose, to love and be loved. When neighbors have an intention to help make their neighborhood into a place where everyone can get their basic needs met–including the survival needs like water, shelter, and food, then miracles can happen. I have read over and over again of neighborhoods where when even one person had an intention to make their neighborhood a better place, lives are vastly improved. That is what this website is all about–sharing stories and examples and how to’s about how any one can help their neighborhood thrive.

I’m not a webmaster by any means. I am trying to play around with this wordpress to make something really useful..so I hope you will bear with me and just wander around. Make some comments so I know you are out there, okay? And if anyone wants to help me make a fancy website which can serve as a training program for neighborhood organizers, I would sure love that!

Social forum: a way to connect with thousands of other similar minded souls

Link to the US social forum

https://www.ussf2007.org/en/faq

 

A kind of analysis of US social forum

http://leftturn.mayfirst.org/?q=node/670

 

This one is the speech by Howard Roark in Ayn Rand’s fountainhead-

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zc7oZ9yWqO4&NR=1

 

principles and revolution

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7G0XH9qmFsA&feature=related

 

Meditations on gratitude and God: multi-media

Mediation on gratitude

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TIXIwdhOmSM&NR=1

Interview with God

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tjg_VxKZdlk

A taste of what a Community Gathering in a neighborhood could be

For the past year I have envisioned an intergenerational community gathering which would bring people together in their neighborhood or town to have fun, food, conversations, and networking which would lead to people finding friends with which to collaborate with on the projects they are passionate about which better their community in some way. You can read more and see my slide show here

The first Community Gathering I held back in September was magnificent, and I saw the potential was huge. We had it at a pavilion at a park, and people enjoyed it immensely and lots of great connections were made. But then the weather got cold, and I could not find any indoor locations. This is the hardest thing about having an intergenerational gathering with lots of activities going on at once–finding a place that is inexpensive or free.

Today I got a second chance to coordinate a different kind of community gathering. I was asked to coordinate the child care at the Ozark Natural Foods Co-op Annual Owners Meeting. I had coordinated this 4 times previously, and although every time it was a success, I always felt like there was something missing. This time, I approached the event as if it were a community gathering–and it clicked! The missing ingredient was lots of people of all ages interacting, with everyone having fun. I wanted everyone involved to experience a sense of connection and even family–and my experience was that it happened. I brought into it some unschooling principles, non-violent communication and open space technology principles. Here’s what happened.

If you walked into the room at any time during the 2 1/2 hour time frame, you would see people of all ages interacting happily and harmoniously. In one area was a mural art project, and kids of all ages had fun making a beautiful vision of an ideal neighborhood. The older kids and other adults helped the little ones, which was a beautiful sight to behold. Alison Carter, Creative Director of the Community Imagination Studio in Fayetteville, AR, facilitated the mural. I really liked the way she combined some direction–like putting layers of tissue paper to add both texture and color, but encouraged total creativity of expression. Everyone’s creativity was encouraged, and the mural turned out great. It also became a way to promote and educate people about the value of organizing neighborhoods, as well as the wonderful Community Imagination Studio.

Jackie lead some games about non-violent communication. The kids loved the way she helped them to see the value of compassionate sharing. I really liked the way she inspired the teens to get involved with the little ones. When she wasn’t leading games, she was being so present with the kids–that was a joy to see!

There was a game and reading corner with blocks, a funny fishing game, and stuffed animals. That was a popular corner! I was thrilled to see 6 foot plus eighteen year old boys getting down on the floor and playing with 2 year olds! I think they are finding some new giftings!

I put out some interesting books about neighborhood enrichment, communication, and other interesting topics for the parents who hung out to look at. Some parents stayed through the whole meeting since their kids were pretty young, while most flowed in and out as they felt comfortable.

I loved the role my husband played at the door. We could leave the door open (with no windows, it was a bit claustrophobic) but I knew that no child would escape with the watchful eye of Robert upon them! It was a little scary when a parent said her child was not to be found–but she was just hiding–maybe didn’t want to leave?

One of the best things about this gathering was that there were six teenagers present, and 2 pre-teens. I asked them to come in order to help with the little ones, and we had enough people to have almost one on one attention for the kids. What I experienced was so peaceful–we only had one conflict during the whole gathering, and that was near the end. A little boy said, “someone put graffiti on my dinosaur, and I don’t like it!” Someone said, “Maybe it was just mud splashing up from the ground.” Quickly his anger subsided and he said, “Oh, that must be it!” I think that is pretty good for a 2 1/2 hour event!

I wanted to have lots of little activities going on for all ages, but since there were so many children under three, the older kids mainly interacted with the younger ones. But I did get a chance to give a little class on how to make a green smoothie, near the end when many of the children had been picked up. Teens and adults gathered around to see how I made the smoothie, got samples, and experienced directly that green smoothies do not have to taste green! I enjoyed getting a bit carried away and being funny. I even timed myself and made a smoothie in 4 minutes! Everyone thought they were yummie. Since I think that green smoothies might just be one of the healthiest things you can do for yourself, I was overjoyed to get to share this with people.

I also taught the teens how to make a planting pot out of newspaper. I had watched three different techniques on youtube.com the night before. I just knew I wanted to share this skill, and send people home with some seeds to germinate. The first try was a failure–I forgot exactly how to do it. But right on the spot I adapted some techniques that I had learned, and we made some great pots! Then Mariah (who had sponsored a seed exchange just the week before which I attended) came over and showed us another great technique. They planted swiss chard and lettuce in their little pots. I sure hope they are inspired to get their gardens going now! And make some green smoothies with the greens they grow. I loved how it fit together.

I had tons of other idea for the 5 year olds and up–a braided rope out of recycled material, making a video of a play they made up by using props that stimulated their imagination, a sing along where I played guitar and my son played bass, and cooperative games. I had even imagined bringing in sticks and leaves to demonstrate a debris hut (an emergency shelter that is easy to make, and could save your life!) Let’s face it–I wanted this to be a whole festival! But since there were so many really young children who needed lots of attention, and I was busy so much of the time with little details that are important for smooth flowing, I didn’t have time to use my talents.

But I am so glad that a lot of energy went into the mural because it will be displayed at Ozark Natural Foods and I think people will enjoy it and be inspired by it.

The most exciting thing that happened was that the adults who gave so much loving attention to the children–Lindsay, Alison, Jackie, and Celestiel are really excited about duplicating this activity–only with more generations being present. They liked my idea about the Community Gathering because then we have more people who can contribute and help and more activities and conversations can be had. In fact, I had a number of wonderful conversations with people during the child care–when I had a moment to spare–and I enjoyed connecting in this very meaningful way. I feel grateful that Lindsey took all of our email addresses and wants to get us together to organize something!

What was the most thrilling about this activity was that I got to be with my whole family. Robert had his role as the signing in person and guard at the door. Mahriyanna, my 12 year old, enjoyed spending time  with her best friend, Olivia and connecting with the younger ones. My son, Chris, encouraged his friends from the Living Springs neighborhood to come. I finally realized that if I was going to get my eighteen year old to attend things, it needed to be something his friends wanted to attend. I was so delighted that 5 homeschooled teens saw this as an opportunity to serve as well as spend time with their friends.

It all boils down to having fun. If you build something that is fun–they will come! Some find art fun. Others find playing with blocks fun. Still others find discussing how to accomplish a project fun. When everyone can come together and find fun–they will come, and they will meet people and do things they might never have done. For example, the books on the table might have inspired someone. I know that often one book can help me get clearer on my journey.  And the teens might not have ever tasted a green smoothie, or learned how to make a newspaper pot. The little ones most certainly must have felt a sense of safety and unconditional love as they were showered with attention and affection by so many. Adults met people they would not have met, and got to catch each other dong good.

Perhaps this is the bottom line. We really do need to feel a sense of hopefulness and vision in order to be motivated to keep going to help make this world a better place–whatever our spiritual path. When we can share together in an environment  which brings out the best in all of us, and makes it easy for us to love, it increases the sense of connection and belonging. Just think what might happen if we could have this kind of experience every week in our own neighborhood. What if we could build relationships and find ways to cooperate so that having fun we did such things as: create an emergency plan for our neighborhood; start a community garden and help everyone garden and grow and abundance of food; start a neighborhood watch co-op and do proactive things to help make our neighborhoods safe; find meaningful things for at-risk youth to do so their lives can be more fulfilled; and the list is really endless. When people gather in an environment which is conducive to cooperation, usually they will cooperate because I believe that people naturally want to help each other.

As a follower of Christ, I want to live out the teachings of Jesus: Love God with all your heart mind and soul, and love your neighbor as yourself.  Loving God can be kind of nebulous sometimes–but loving my neighbor is very clear! I hope this article inspires you to read more of the articles on this blog and to take steps to enrich your neighborhood!

A Vision for a World where every living creature thrives

This websites describes in the most balanced and complete way I have found yet a vision of a world that can work. I hope you will explore it and feel as inspired as I was.

www.ecovisionquest.com

Here is their vision on their home page:

Our Vision

Our Quest is to manifest as a “Spirit Family” here, on this land, in Barnstead, NH….
Becoming a circle of concurring friends focused on enhancing life together in any and every way possible.

Greed, fear, monopolies, weapons, wars, corporations, and governments are rapidly killing life on the planet Earth. It is time for evolution and revolution. This disease has pervasively spread throughout our humankind, our cultures, and our societies. It is a cancer eating our bodies, our minds, our souls, all life forms on our planet Earth, our ecosystems, and our Earth.

Our Quest is to attain our Vision. Our Vision is of the freedom, the healthfulness and sovereignty of not only humankind, but also all life forms on our planet Earth…. and planet Earth itself.

In order to achieve our Vision, we see the path of our Quest leading back to the Earth, with caring and sharing among peoples of all nations globally, and locally. We see small groups who are networked globally, connected by life-sustaining principles. We see these groups focused on reversing current insanity by dedicated, caring people who are intentionally practicing Multiple Intimacy!…

Multiple Intimacy….

• Intimacy with nature

• Intimacy with the truth

• Intimacy with health and wellness

• Intimacy with natural processes

• Intimacy with organic food

• Intimacy with folk culture

• Intimacy with each other (EcoVillages everywhere)
  

Life is sacred and is being threatened!

It is time to be extremely proactive.

We can “turn the tide” if we care…Together.

Neighbor Week: Sign up now to join a world wide movement of neighborhood enrichment

Click here to view video clips from Frank Capra’s Film Meet John Doe

I am so excited about this! I plan on joining with these folks in their efforts to transform neighborhoods in to thriving, self-reliant communities. I hope you will too! Here is an excerpt from their website: http://www.itstimereno.org/neighbor.asp

What started in Northen Nevada has become a national event with activities now happening in other states.
Neighbor Day 2007 has grown to more than 65 gatherings with over 2,000 people involved. Doing a gathering is really only a kick off to long-term, daily efforts to be a light to others by building community right where you live and being of service.

We hope to release a chain reaction of love that can shift each of our communities (and eventually the
world) to a new level of cooperation and peace. Click Here to Read, World Peace Begins With Your Neighbor

We are going global in 2008 with the last week of June being Neighbor week. Imagine gatherings in every city around the planet - as part of a long-term practical effort to renew our society starting from the bottom up. You can be apart of this exciting transformation - sign up below!

Register Your 2008 Event		Neighbor Day Pointers	Media Stories
Audio & Video Clips		37 Ways to Build Community
New John Doe Club

Urban Homesteading in Pasadena: It can be done!

What if every house in neighborhood did what this family has done–we would solve many, many of the problems that face us, including genetic engineering, food stortage, health problems, government trying to control our supplements, pollution, and many more.

Please watch this most inspiring video and check out their website. This is  truly about finding freedom in your own neighborhood–taking back your power.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mCPEBM5ol0Q

 

Urban Homesteaders, A Homegrown Revolution

“Pioneering a journey towards self-sufficiency - one step a time”

Since the early 80’s the Dervaes family has slowly transformed their ordinary city lot into a self sufficient urban homestead.

View an eco-pioneers life on an urban homestead as this family shares their homegrown revolution, being the change they wish to see by living the solution.

Name: Dervaes

City: Pasadena, California
Hometown: Planet Earth
Country: United States
Occupation: Urban homesteaders, urban farmer…
Website: http://www.pathtofreedom.com

Re

 

World Peace Begins With Your Neighbor

Richard Flyer, founder of Conscious Communities in Reno, Nevada, states,

“Why does it take a disaster to bring us together? Recent tragedies like 911, Hurricane Katrina, and the Tsunami remind us of who we are deep inside— a spiritually connected part of a large extended family, a web of living beings, sharing a tiny biosphere, on a small planet.”

“As Albert Einstein reminded us, “our separation from each other is an optical illusion of consciousness.” Disasters jolt us out of the sleepwalking that can happen as we focus on the daily business of life and survival with our self focused agendas, even our higher spiritual ones. Disasters also can open our hearts, as spiritual energy comes through us and is released in the form of compassion to others. Collectively, a chain reaction of goodness can come as a flood, but then, after the crisis, a “spiritual dam” may form once again within us and we go back to the sleep of our busy lives.” If you want to read more of this marvelous article which truly inspires me (and I hope you) to work to cooperate and overcome my resistance to cooperate with my neighbors) check out:

World Peace Begins With Your Neighbor