Category Archives: Community Building
Learn something, even if it’s only to disagree
Thoughtful discussion from Front Porch Forum members allows us to learn and connect with our neighbors.
“I have to admit, my favorite bits of FPF are the disagreements. I think arguments on FPF are really helpful. They bring to the surface issues that we don’t always talk about. Everyone gets a chance to gauge the opinions of their neighbors. It’s not hard to chime in. Every time there’s a chain of discussion posts–about panhandling, or dogs, or pedestrians and drivers, I learn something. For me, it’s good to know just how much I disagree, and why, and who I might occasionally agree with.
Consensus might be best, but disagreement is way better than silence. Thanks, to Front Porch Forum and everyone who takes the time to post their arguments.” • Glen, City Councilor in Montpelier
FPF Co-founder to Speak in Bennington
Front Porch Forum co-founder and CEO, Michael Wood-Lewis will speak in Bennington on June 21 at the Bennington Museum as part of The Lightning Jar Leadership Speaker Series. Come join us and hear how Front Porch Forum is helping to change conversations in our communities.
This Speaker Series brings entrepreneurs and business leaders to Bennington from all over to tell their stories about building and growing businesses in Vermont. The Lightning Jar is Bennington’s entrepreneurial hub and professional development community.
For more information on our upcoming visit to Bennington, click here.
Hello to summer!
Front Porch Forum members celebrate community in various ways this Memorial Day weekend.
“We’re going to hold an old-fashioned Block Party and celebrate in the street with games, food and fun…. so come out and play with us!” • Kate in St. Albans
Following the ceremony, the Legion Auxiliary is hosting a potluck lunch.” • John in Guilford
“Please join us for an Ice Cream Social as we say hello to summer!” • Julie in Essex Junction
FPF applauds the many communities who will be gathering together in remembrance and tribute to our veterans.
Raising awareness about ticks
FPF members are sharing news in their neighborhoods on how to deal with ticks.
“After talking to area residents we think reporting tick bites will help us know and get a feel for our local situation. It would be helpful to answer all or some of these questions.
– When were you bitten?
– Where do you think you picked up the tick?
– Were you wearing repellent?
– Do you know what kind it was? (Example – Deer Tick/Black Legged Tick, Dog Tick, Lone Star Tick, etc. Google to identify.)
– Did you take the tick to a health center or send it in to be tested (University Of Mass is one place that tests)?
Please report onto your neighborhood Front Porch Forum to help raise awareness. See a very interesting and informative graph for Vermont that updates Every week.” • Susan in Waitsfield
Keep alert and informed during tick season!
Escape From Facebookistan
Can a public sphere worth living in ever be built online? Micah Sifry includes an interview with FPF Co-Founder, Michael Wood-Lewis, in his article appearing in The New Republic, Escape From Facebookistan
“In the same way people need banks to hold their money safely and to help it circulate, creating businesses and jobs, they also need trustworthy online digital forums to hold their social identities and help foster beneficial connections between friends, neighbors, and the larger society.” • Micah Sifry
Alternatives exist! Thanks for recognizing Front Porch Forum in your article!
Vermont’s future generation of women
This year’s Girls on the Run 5k event will be unlike any other and FPF is proud to be a part of it! With hundreds of girls crossing the finish line ““ each one beaming with confidence and pride ““ it’s a community celebration of and for our local girls. We invite you to help support Girls on the Run and experience the 5k for yourself! Learn more at gotrvt.org/5k
Fight hunger in Vermont at the Point to Point!
Join Front Porch Forum and help support the Vermont Foodbank in the Point to Point, powered by VSECU, on Aug. 11. Since 2002 this cycling and running event helps to raise funds and awareness for the Vermont Foodbank’s mission to end the growing problem of hunger in Vermont. Help a neighbor in need and have fun doing it!
Choose from 3 road bike or 2 mountain bike rides, or a trail run. Join the P2P Festival with kids’ activities, music, food trucks, and Harpoon beer. Ride, run, or volunteer to fight hunger! Learn more and register at http://www.thepointtopoint.org/
FPF is a proud sponsor of this event.
Organizing a Repair Cafe
We love this idea undertaken by Front Porch Forum members. Doing something good for the environment and building social contacts!
“Do you need something fixed? Come to the first ever Repair Cafe. Start collecting your household items to be fixed at this FREE event. We have fixers willing to work on watches, bicycles, clothing, knitting projects, electric appliances, small office equipment, furniture, small engines, lamps, tools (including sharpening) and electrical gadgets. And we even have someone willing to tutor you with your smart phone!” • Cathy in Charlotte
“One of the “fixperts” reinforced my eyeglass frames. This may save me having to buy a whole new pair of frames (very expensive!). Thank you. What a wonderful event!” • Lucy in Plainfield
“I was fortunate to have a loose jacket zipper secured, a broken hoe handle extracted, a few pair of earrings brought back to life and iPhone issues resolved. I witnessed holes in sweaters and coats mended; a chainsaw, sewing machines and lamps fixed; and blades sharpened and that was just in the short hour I was there. What a great event to connect with community members while bringing back to life items that would have been needlessly discarded.” • Judy in Charlotte
Here’s how you can do the same in your neighborhood:
STEPS:
- Post to organize several neighbors to volunteer making repairs. Suggest the idea of a “Repair Cafe” and seek a place to hold the event.
- Post an announcement two weeks prior to the event to invite neighbors in need of repairs AND to encourage volunteer help.
- Post a reminder message three days before.
- Choose the “Event” category so that your posting also shows up in the FPF Community Calendar.
- Check the share box to include neighboring towns.
“Repair is possible, and often not that difficult, with a little bit of community support.” — The Repair Caf© Foundation
A variety of ideas to build community connections
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!
About Blog
Ghost of Midnight is an online journal about fostering community within neighborhoods, with a special focus on Front Porch Forum (FPF). My wife, Valerie, and I founded FPF in 2006... read more
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