Category Archives: Community Building
Are you reaching out to your new neighbors?
They’re looking to make connections through Front Porch Forum!
“Anybody in the Fair Haven area interested in old-time railroads? Perhaps a modeler? Senior new to Vermont would like to meet you.” • Ron in Fair Haven
“Seeking Scrabble Players. English or German. Have sets for both. Recently settled here; want to make new friends and play Scrabble etc.” • Llanda in Underhill
“We are fairly new to the area and were wondering is there are any local secular community oriented organizations that meet.” • John in East Randolph
Looking for someone to connect with on similar interests? Post on FPF.
Thanks to FPF members for participating in our survey!
Congrats to our survey participant winners, Gina from Bristol and Nikki from Burlington, who each won an iPad from FPF!
This survey, undertaken in late April, saw a huge response from our members… over 15,000 responses to a 22-question 15-minute survey! Thank you to each and everyone of you who participated.
The survey was undertaken when the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation offered a grant to help us study how Vermonters use FPF to build community. From the survey, conducted by an independent third party, we learned that Front Porch Forum is fulfilling its social mission of helping neighbors connect and build community! We look forward to sharing specific results in the near future.
Local photographer, Dan Higgins, captures Winooski FPF story
Dan hosted a FPF Winooski Photo exhibit for us a number of years ago. We’re delighted to see him at work again highlighting conversations from Front Porch Forum members!
Lending for yard and garden work
In need of a post hole digger, perennials, or a tiller? Front Porch Forum members are ready to help!
“My request for a post-hole digger brought 3 nearly instantaneous responses. In less than 24 hrs I had the job done and the loaner returned. Thank you, neighbors.” • Bob in Burlington
“Thank you to everyone who replied to my request for perennials, the response was overwhelming and my flower beds are going to be so great next year! I love FPF and this community!” • Rose in Middlebury
“I have a small tiling job to do, and am wondering if anyone has any left over thinset from a previous job that I could buy. And I’ve got a perfectly usable utility trailer sitting in my yard that I’d be happy to lend out to anyone needing one.” • Don in Craftsbury
Speaking together differently in order to live together differently
Front Porch Forum member, Courtney, shared this lovely piece on promoting and effectively participating in conversations that bring people in our communities together, an initiative created by On Being. There is even a PDF you can download to guide you!:
“The Civil Conversations Project seeks to renew common life in a fractured and tender world. We are a conversation-based, virtues-based resource towards hospitable, trustworthy relationship with and across difference. We honor the power of asking better questions, model reframed approaches to entrenched debates, and insist that the ruptures above the radar do not tell the whole story of our time. We aspire to amplify and cross-pollinate the generative new realities that are also being woven, one word and one life at a time.”
Revitalizing a community with 8 Words
Neighbors get clever on their local Front Porch Forum to promote the new food coop opening in their town. Community members and coop members began an “8 Words for MOCO” campaign which has been running for weeks on FPF.
“MoCo is creating community and revitalizing the downtown”
“MoCo is shopping local and helping our farmers”
“Opening in August, produce from farmers you know.”
“Fresh, organic, and local – what could be better?”
“Local Products; Local People; Local Place; Can’t Wait!”
“Seed to store, look what we’ve grown together!”
“Strong communities and healthy food create positive change :)”
Have a community project you’re looking to jumpstart? Post on FPF!
Lacrosse program gets boost from local welder
Neighbors helping neighbors and their communities. It’s what Front Porch Forum is all about!
“Harwood Youth Lacrosse posted on FPF looking for some assistance making 2 goals for our program. James quickly stepped up and offered to take the job. We provided the pipes to him and he donated his time, expertise and any additional welding materials to this job.
The lacrosse program that we put on for the kids in our area requires a lot of dedication. Our program is 100% volunteer. James stepped up and became a volunteer not because he has a kid in the program, not because he loves or even knows the game, he volunteered to help out the kids in our community. We can not thank James enough for all of his hard work!”
• Paul in Waterbury
It’s planting season! Let’s plant for good
“While planning and planting your vegetable gardens this spring, I ask that you consider planting a bit extra that I can pick up and deliver to a local charitable organization. I will be bringing the donated produce to Meals on Wheels. If we have a surplus, I will bring it to a local food shelf.” • Laura in Essex
“Most of us Vermonters care about local farms and the working landscape. I’m making a pledge to get out and buy direct from family farms as often as I can. Are other Front Porch Forum members willing to commit to deepen your support for our local farms this season?” • Paul in Montpelier
“If you’re a gardener, this is your time. Consider sharing that camaraderie with Operation Bloom, a home-grown volunteer group that has been beautifying Winooski for over 20 years. We are a small, dedicated cadre of enthusiasts who plant and landscape around the city.” • Janet in Winooski
Have an idea to help support your community? Get organized with FPF!
Green Up Day becomes more of a Green Up week
The posts started early on FPF for those looking to begin picking up and “greening up” their neighborhoods. This Saturday will find neighbors working together once again to make our communities beautiful.
“We have an amazing group of volunteer neighbors! Remember if you’re busy Saturday you really have between now and late Sunday to get it done and get your bag to the container at the Town Garage.” • Jill in Duxbury
“A group of my coworkers and I are participating in a day of service with Vermont Refugee Resettlement. We will be out “greening up” around the apartments of New Americans and hopefully planting some veggies and flowers for them to enjoy. If you have any extra seeds lying around, we would be happy to put them to good use! Or if you’re willing to lend or some basic gardening tools (gloves, trowels, etc.) for the day.”
• Haley in Burlington
Spencer in Shelburne began promoting Green-Up day early…“I think we’re going to focus on keeping it fun and accessible and getting the word out as early as possible, I’ll write silly poems and ditties on Front Porch Forum.”
Look to your neighborhood FPF to see how to “Green Up” your town!
Spring Fever hits Morrisville!
Spring is here, and FPF members are looking to get fit with their neighbors.
“Spring is Finally Here – Let’s Play Tennis! Looking for other intermediate players to get out on the courts. Can play after 4 weekdays and anytime on the weekend. Hope to see you on the courts.”
“Hello runners. I know many of us run to clear our heads and have time alone. But sometimes it’s nice to run with other people too! I want to start a little running crew to run 3-5 miles on a regular basis, 9-10 minute mile pace. The specifics may change a little depending upon who participates. I think this could be great. Happy spring.”
• Kevin and Brittain in Morrisville
Have an idea to get outside with your neighbors and enjoy Spring? Get started on Front Porch Forum!
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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