Front Porch Forum members reach out to their neighbors to come together in their community:
“If you are looking for more plants for your garden, come to the Neighborhood Plant Swap! This is a free plant give-away, neighbor to neighbor.” • Melanie in Burlington
“Join your friends, neighbors, and fellow residents to share YOUR vision for the future of our town. The Vermont Council on Rural Development will facilitate a Community Visit Day to ask ALL residents about opportunities, challenges, and ideas for action for the community.” • Pat in Wallingford
“There have been discussions regarding a community center to serve the needs of our diverse population. Perhaps you’d like to participate in such a conversation? If yes please get back to me through this forum and we’ll see where it leads.” • Rolf in Hinesburg
“Any other new moms/parents out there interested in getting together to share parenting advice and ideas or just have a cup of coffee with babies in tow?” • Anna in Bristol
“Looking to meet other working professionals in their 20’s-30’s. Take turns hosting potlucks with different themes?” • Laura in Waterbury
“Wouldn’t it be fun to have a series of story-telling events? We’d hear stories from our friends, neighbors, family and strangers: real people, telling true stories from the heart. A great way to build community spirit and get to know each other better.” • Sherril in Randolph
Have an idea to connect with your neighbors? Reach out on FPF!
Event organizers find using FPF for promotion increases attendance:
“The turnout was the best yet. We asked a lot of the attendees as they were leaving where they heard about the show and many said Front Porch Forum. Thanks for you support and sponsorship, it did really help us get the people through the door.” • John with Made in Vermont Marketplace
“2017’s Open Farm Week event saw increased reach through partnership marketing with the Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing and Front Porch Forum, drawing visitors from Vermont and beyond to the many participating farms throughout the state.” • Reported in the Bennington Banner
Post your event on FPF or contact us to learn how to broaden your reach at localbiz@frontporchforum.com!
Front Porch Forum members spend time connecting with their neighbors in person.
“Waiting at the DMV I met Mr Congeniality himself: 4-year old Isaac. He and I quickly struck up a friendly conversation. He was thoughtful and creative and funny. And to be honest, I’ve had a pretty crummy week otherwise, but chatting with that bright-eyed kid was a lovely distraction.” • Morgen in Montpelier
“Let’s start being more real, more in-person. Stop living so much of life in cyberspace. Commit to replacing some screen time with real time. Quality time. Our world will be better as a result of every in-person connection we have.” • John in Barre
“With all the sad news happening around the world, I just feel the strong desire to spread happiness & positivity, and Front Porch Forum seems the perfect place to do it!” • Elaine in Northfield
Feel free to continue spreading happiness on FPF!
Witnessing daily small acts of neighborliness on Front Porch Forum
“What an amazing community we all live within! Thank you very much to the dozens of people who offered Penguin the hen a home after the fisher cat attack on her coop. She is now happily ensconced in a neighbor’s coop, and I feel very happily ensconced among this amazingly generous and caring community.”
• Zoe in Underhill
FPF’s recent survey shows that 89% of respondents say their neighbors help others. How true!
Traveling soon? Your neighbors on Front Porch Forum just might have some stellar recommendations!
“I reached out on FPF for tips on places to visit and things to do while in Florida. I was looking forward to seeing family but dreading the Florida part of the trip. However, thanks to kind and seasoned travelers on FPF, I got a lot of tips that had me eating in a Greek restaurant in a sponge-diving community, kayaking down the Weeki Wachee River, and swimming with manatees. What a helpful community!” • Carl in East Montpelier
Looking to sell or give-away household items…. or a car? Some success stories:
“Kitchen Aid Mixer & Toddler Bed Sold. Thanks for ALL the interest! Thank you to Front Porch Forum!” • Elizabeth in Danville
“FPF came out at 4:30 ish and by 6:00 I had 6 people contact me about the carpet!” • Gerry in Fayston
“The flooring is gone. Picked up this morning after posted yesterday. Way to go FPF.” • Noah in Montpelier
“Subaru sold! Thanks for ALL the inquires. Amazing the Power of FPF!!!” • Ginny in Stowe
“I’ve never received bogus calls or offers from anything posted here on FPF. Can’t say that for Craigslist!”
• John in Barre
Are you using Front Porch Forum to move some items?
A recent article from the Times Argus highlights findings from FPF survey work done in 2017.
“Members of Front Porch Forum, who are not anonymous and make a commitment to be part of the online community, are comforted by the engagement of others. Perhaps at a time when contention is rampant, the sense of community, even online, is enough of a connection for members to feel a level of comfort and trust.
Community building takes various forms, whether that be public suppers, music, theater or meetings and discussion groups. Vermonters have always taken great pride in being good neighbors. Now we can take stock in knowing that being part of the community, even online, has merits that go far beyond chasing down lost dogs or finding a place to stay for a friend. It still means we connect.”
To read more, visit https://www.timesargus.com/articles/a-matter-of-trust/
Varying opinions on a topic or issue can be difficult when not approached in a civic manner. Front Porch Forum members weigh in:
“Should we be discussing controversial issues on FPF? If not here, where? One of the problems with our pop culture these days is that we are constantly talking to those we agree with. Our social media echo chambers are really hurting our democracy. FPF is fundamentally different from Facebook. It is a platform where I can talk to my neighbors and they can talk to me. Facebook seems to be a self selecting group which will frequently share ones own views. How can we find common ground if we do not talk to one another? I think the discussion on guns in FPF has been respectful, diverse and informative.” • Jeff in Richmond
Use Front Porch Forum to have civil discussions on tough topics and connect with your neighbors.
Front Porch Forum is participating in Howard Center’s 2018 Curling Challenge to help raise money for the many Howard Center programs and services that support people in our community. Some of these include:
• 24/7/365 Crisis services
• Residential programs
• Specialized schools
• Street outreach
• Substance use treatment & recovery
• Suicide prevention
• Therapeutic camps
By contributing to our fundraising efforts on behalf of Howard Center, you will be making a real and lasting difference within our community. Follow This Link to donate now and help in our efforts to support Howard Center!