Category Archives: Community Building
Tales of the Christmas Spirit
Tis the season to share on Front Porch Forum…..
“The other day a young man arrived with his son and spotted a book he held reverently in his hands as out loud he wished he had some money to put this book on lay-away. Suddenly there was a small voice added to our conversation. His son asked me if one dollar would be enough to hold the book for his father. The father said to the boy, “This is why I love you so much.” And the bookseller agreed to hold the rare book for one dollar down. The youngster reached into his pocket, pulled out 4 quarters, and we sealed the agreement. If this isn’t a spiritual time of year I don’t know what is…..”
“Eleven folks who read my story came forward and wanted to help this family purchase the books on hold. We have a truly generous and thoughtful community and I am proud to be a part of it.”
• Ben at the Country Bookshop in Plainfield
From the outpouring of generosity in this community of book-lovers an idea developed to generate a fund to help other needy families to purchase books. What tales can you share on FPF that can help others?
Our disconnects in values, relationships and social fabric
danah boyd was quoted on Wired yesterday…
“[W]e have a cultural problem, one that is shaped by disconnects in values, relationships, and social fabric. Our media, our tools, and our politics are being leveraged to help breed polarization by countless actors who can leverage these systems for personal, economic, and ideological gain.”
She went on to state “How do you reknit society? Society is produced by the social connections that are knit together. The stronger those networks, the stronger the society. We have to make a concerted effort to create social ties, social relationships, social networks in the classic sense that allow for strategic bridges across the polis so that people can see themselves as one.”
“Part of what is really collapsing here is that the networks have become too fragmented and too polarized. Technology doesn’t help; it simply magnifies the poles. This is dangerous and cyclical. Polarization leads to distrust and tribalism which leads to more polarization. So for me, the path forward, which requires business and the public sector and civil society working together, is about reconstructing the networks of America.”
In our own small way, this is Front Porch Forum‘s work… helping neighbors connect and build community… reconstructing networks of neighbors across political, class, racial and other boundaries.
Open discussions in our communities
We’re happy to see that Front Porch Forum is recommended and used by many to have important discussions on relevant town issues.
“I am really liking this thread on minimum wage. This kind of discussion is exactly what Front Porch Forum was designed for. We should be having a lot more of these kind of discussions as long as we can keep to the issues and not personalize the debate or attack those we disagree with. Our community and indeed our culture in general would be much better served if we had civil discussion and debate about important issues as though we were speaking face-to-face, FPF seems like an excellent vehicle to have those discussions.”
• Jeff, Town Energy Coordinator, Richmond
“The public must be better informed about this School Capital project. Information put on a school website is not adequate public outreach. We recommend Front Porch Forum as it is a primary source of local information for me and many others in the community.” • John in Morrisville
Reach out to your town officials on FPF!
Loving and paying thanks to our communities
Front Porch Forum members share their love of their neighborhoods.
“Our neighborhood is the best! A very BIG THANK YOU to all who donated items to our Annual Food Drive to benefit the Chittenden Emergency Food Shelf. We collected a total of 500 pounds of non-perishable items! You should be proud of that. Volunteers at the Food Shelf were asking what neighborhood contributed all this?” • Terri & Dave, Burlington
“We are very grateful for all of our Neighbors and our Lovely Community!!! • Rebecca in Shelburne
“Community is so important and tonite Kids, Parents, Neighbors all got together for yet another year to celebrate and have family/community fun. Thank you all for making my nite, for making my heart sing, for making my community.” • Holly & Bob, Monkton
“We just moved here, and could never have guessed at how wonderful and welcoming the people would be. You’ve made us feel like Vermont is our home, despite how short a time we’ve been here.”
• Myles in Morrisville
Organize your neighbors for good on FPF!
How to use FPF to help your neighbors
STEPS:
- Post to organize several neighbors to volunteer at your local soup kitchen or community meal.
- Post an announcement two weeks prior to the event to invite neighbors in need 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.
Front Porch Forum examples:
“Pies for People is back! We are seeking volunteers to help roll out pie crust for holiday pies for our neighbors. These pies go to the Food Pantry, free community dinners, schools and nursing homes. A home made pumpkin pie is something everyone should be able to experience for Thanksgiving! If you’d like to help, please sign up” • Allison in Craftsbury
“Every year, in Brattleboro, for 40 years, there has been a community dinner where people can gather for a free meal. This year continues a great tradition. There is an opening for someone (can be more than one) to play some music to contribute to the meal’s general environment.” • Breeze in Williamsville
“Nobody in town should go hungry, especially at the holidays. To make this happen we really need your help! We are collecting food to feed local families in need. Please help us by bringing in a grocery gift card or item listed. Your generosity is affording every local family the opportunity to have a warm and hearty Thanksgiving together.” • Marianna in Stowe
Staying locally connected while traveling
Planning to be out of the state over the holidays or even for the winter? FPF will continue to keep you connected while you’re gone!
“After being gone for more than 4 months, Front Porch Forum has kept me in touch. Found me a ride home from the train station in Waterbury, found me a car, mine died the day I left , and found me a possible roommate for the winter.. So great to have a local place to help all of us. AND I DID IT ALL FROM PORTUGAL AND SCOTLAND !!” • Rich in Fayston
Offers of hot meals, hot showers and warmth
During last week’s wind storm that affected so many Vermonters, FPF was flooded with posts offering help to neighbors. And our town officials used Front Porch Forum to communicate needs, assistance and thanks….
“When you see our road crew and firefighters, give them a hand for their hard work throughout last nights storm. These folks were out in that crazy weather, clearing trees and trying to keep our roads open! Thanks also to all the good neighbors who have been offering to help each other out.” • Sally, Lincoln Town Clerk
“Are you still without power and running water from the recent storm? The Stowe Arena will be open from 8am-9pm for community members who would like a hot shower.”
• Emily, Program Director, Stowe Parks & Recreation
“This evening Robinson School will have a hot meal for those who are still without power. Chili, soup, sandwiches, water fill-up and community comfort will be available in the cafeteria 5:30-6:30 this evening.” • Edorah, Principal, Robinson Elementary School, Starksboro
“If anyone without power is in need or want of a warm, lit space to hang out for a bit or get some work done, or collect some water, or whatever, the Jericho UMC church next to the town hall will be open from 1-9 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday.” • John, United Methodist Church
Kids, large and small, love Halloween!
One of Vermont’s high school principals took to posting on Front Porch Forum to remind us to support our neighborhood teens on Halloween.
“Waves of trick-or-treaters are welcomed in our neighborhoods; it’s just a special few days in this corner of the world. Many parents have (quickly?) gone from pulling children in wagons (and eating “their” candy) to wondering if their kids will “go out” this year for the last time (again!). I found this article to be brilliant and wanted to share it…I am aware that our town has always been kind to the hordes of young ghosts, goblins, zombies and ninjas while still also welcoming to the 1/2 costumed late adolescents who (perhaps like their parents) just don’t want to let go of a fun and carefree tradition.
As Principal I often find myself thankful for the empathy our community shows toward our teens, I know my students feel supported by the community. This is very important because let’s face it, it can be an intense time for our high school age youth; they may be writing their college essay, playing in a playoff game, and volunteering to raise awareness about domestic violence all while planning (or more likely not planning) their Halloween costumes.
Thanks for supporting these amazing young people — and let’s remember to watch out for the kids on the roads (be they large or small).
Happy Halloween!” • Patrick, Principal, South Burlington High School
Organizing for community dinners
Front Porch Forum members can reach out to their neighbors to start or continue traditions that connect us in person.
“Is there anyone interested in continuing the tradition of our town’s Community Christmas Dinner? With a loyal group of volunteers, it’s been happening for more then 25+ years…. If interested contact us and if you know anyone who is not on FPF please let them know about this, we’d really appreciate it.” • Cathy in Waterbury
“We are pleased to invite you to the first Saplings’ Community Dinner….Bring your families and friends, all are welcome. Looking forward to seeing you!” • Melissa in Craftsbury
Connecting with our neighbors… it’s what Front Porch Forum is all about!
Thanks for helpful, kind neighbors
Front Porch Forum members can often be counted on to help their neighbors in need…..
“Thank you to our neighborhood for helping mow our lawn while we are at the hospital all day with our son. There is a lot in the news about the divisions in this country and a tiny fraction of individuals with hatred in their hearts. But overwhelmingly, we are living in a community of people who are good, and helpful and kind. This is just one example. Thank you to my dear neighbors and community” • Matt in Williston
Generosity from others helps confirm the value of nurturing community relationships. Reach out to your neighbors with 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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