Category Archives: MacArthur Fellows
Sorting into tribes vs. connecting with a variety of neighbors
From Lisa Prevost’s recent article in the New York Times about using data and web services to find the “perfect” suburb…
… the Spektors were overwhelmed by the prospect of trying to distinguish among the hundreds of commuter towns surrounding New York. So they turned to Suburban Jungle Realty Group, a personal relocation firm that works one-on-one with city dwellers looking to move to the “right” suburb…
Though novel in its business model, Suburban Jungle is part of a controversial industry trend that caters to home buyers who have both the desire and the ability to cherry-pick their surroundings. Other real estate websites are supplying home buyers with loads of hyper-specific community data, including racial makeup, percent of married households and education level…
Want to find a “family-friendly” community within 20 miles of Boston with a high Asian population, a low poverty rate and a median home value of $400,000? On NeighborhoodScout.com, you can plug in these preferences (and many more) on the subscription-only “Advanced Search” page and get a ranked list of options…
This trend raises some thorny questions. The growing accessibility of highly detailed demographic data plays into the natural tendency of home buyers to look for “people like us,” which is as old as the subdivided hills…
Bill Bishop, a Texas journalist and the author of “The Big Sort: Why the Clustering of Like-Minded America Is Tearing Us Apart“ (Houghton Mifflin, 2008), argues that this tribalism is a major driver of the country’s deepening political polarization. Over the last 30 years, he says, greater mobility, laws enforcing racial equity and prosperity have given Americans even more choice about where to live. Will Internet-enhanced abilities to scout out communities intensify that sorting effect?
Front Porch Forum works in a different direction. People use FPF to connect with their existing neighbors, despite their differences. A 2013 survey found that 60% of recent FPF posters had met multiple neighbors due to their local Front Porch Forum. This isn’t an accident. We created FPF to counter the problems outlined in “The Big Sort” and Robert Putnam’s “Bowling Alone.” More from the Times article…
… the growing accessibility of so much demographic data has the potential to fuel the segregation that is already increasing along a number of lines economically, racially, ideologically. Mr. Bishop, the author of “The Big Sort,” argues that as other forms of community have gone away or weakened, Americans are increasingly reordering themselves around shared values and areas of interest. “Given a choice,” he said, “people choose to segregate themselves into these places where they can surround themselves with people like themselves.”
This self-segregating boosts people’s sense of well-being by satisfying the need to belong, says Mr. Motyl, who studies ideological migration. But the resulting decrease in contact with anyone who thinks differently serves to heighten partisanship. “It allows us to become more extreme in our own ideas,” Mr. Motyl said, “and is one explanation for why our system has become so gridlocked.”
Community policing history in Hinesburg
The good people of Hinesburg are grappling with the question of continuing their community police program. It’s an active topic on their Front Porch Forum. Many people were moved by the posting below that appeared yesterday…
Reading Rob’s comments about Hinesburg’s community police history has moved me to share an experience I had in 2004 that truly describes what community police service means to me. I was caring for my very ill Mother at home following recent surgery. I came downstairs early one morning to check on her and her dogs and found that she had died during the night. In a state of shock I immediately called 911. The first responder was a Hinesburg police officer (I regret that I can’t remember his name). He was at my house immediately and went to my Mother’s side. The paramedics came next, and then a coroner. But it was that police officer who really made the difference for me that day. He sat with me, helped me find a funeral home, and made the arrangements to have them come for my Mother. After my Mother was taken away, all of the others left, but not this police officer. He wouldn’t leave until I could get a friend to come by. That is what I call community police service, and I am grateful every day for what that Hinesburg police officer did for me.
I also want to commend the community-oriented services provided by Chief Morrell and extend my best wishes to him as he moves to a new location. When one of Chief Morrell’s service dogs died I sent him a card with a donation to help support future police service dogs in our community. Soon after I got a personal telephone call from Chief Morrell, telling me how much he appreciated my recognition of these very special dogs.
As far as I am concerned a strong community ethic is vital to any town, and it has been demonstrated many ways in Hinesburg. Thanks to all our local businesses for friendly service and making it possible to get much of what we need without going far from home. And, for heavens sake, look what Front Porch Forum is able to do to hold a community together. As an example, I can’t believe how many lost pets have been found just because community members care for each other and stay in touch. I feel lucky to be part of this community.
Remarkable demonstration of open-mindedness in Hinesburg
Paul posted on the Hinesburg Front Porch Forum the other day that opinions should be kept out of FPF postings, asking neighbors to “keep things kind and helpful.”
A neighbor Frank replied…
There are few forums for expressing opinions, besides at coffee shops, hair salons/barber shops and… on our front porches. I say, keep ’em coming [on our Front Porch Forum]. It’s part of what makes us a community. Indeed, as I am writing this on the 4th of July, I dare say the freedom to express ourselves is uniquely American.
Followed by another perspective from Craig…
I cannot disagree enough that we should not express our opinions or share news & information that affects us as community members on Front Porch Forum. The word “forum” itself expresses the goal of open discussion on matters that affect us on a broad level. It’s disappointing to see people suggesting that one of the only forum left to us to discuss community issues be limited to the innocuous and unimportant.
It sure would be sad if we had to rely only on government official announcements and the so-called “news” for information impacting us as citizens. Most of the important issues don’t get aired through those one-sided and for-profit venues. Democracy and freedom need a channel unfettered by government and corporate interests, like Front Porch Forum.
I find some of the most cogent and important information tome as a Hinesburgian on this site…
In days of yore, it was the public space — the Common or the Green — that was the place we gathered and expressed (and heard) uncomfortable opinions. In Providence, you can still see the speaker’s pulpit (the soapbox). In Boston, 200 acres were set aside for the purpose. And, yes, some of those viewpoints are potentialy offfensive to some, even repugnant. In the vaccuum of true journalism in mass media today, we need an electronic version of the public forum, and I am thankful a channel like Front Porch Forum exists to provide it.
I give money regularly to FPF to keep alive a public forum. I would not provide financial support to a non-forum where no ideas or opinions are shared.
Like all other media… if you don’t like it, don’t consume it. If you don’t like what the guy on the soapbox is saying, take another path, or block your ears. Hide your kids’ eyes. But don’t inhibit his freedom.
Then Jane posted…
I agree with [Craig] about Front Porch Forum being a valuable venue to express our opinions and ideas and I thank him for taking the time to express his feelings.
And it ended with a remarkable follow-up posting by Paul… a rare act of open-mindedness in this era of partisanship….
Sigh, still growing and learning. As I read posts and REALLY thought about it, I realized this IS a forum for ideas and opinions. Thanks for making me think again. It just caught me on a day when I was really tired, had read too many negative things in different forums, and I let those feelings spill out before thoroughly considering. Unfortunately, I wrote before fully thinking it through and realize that is exactly the kind of thing I was hoping others would not do. Hmmm, still growing and learning. Thanks, everyone.
Taking a Montpelier community garden from online to in-the-ground
There were these subject lines, among others, on the Montpelier Front Porch Forum:
“Community Garden Seeks Seedlings in Need of Good Home”
“Community Garden Seeks Manure Loader/Hauler”
And the one that started it all:
“Space Available: Community Garden on Elm Street”
Those posts, and others on Front Porch Forum and Facebook, reached people all over Montpelier and in nearby towns. And, The Garden at 485 Elm was born…
Click here to read the rest of this story by garden organizer Sheryl Rap©e-Adams and Rob Fish of Vermont Council on Rural Development.
Grateful for Winooski neighbor connection
Lovely posting today on the Winooski FPF from Mary Beth today…
I am sure many other people share this sentiment of how thankful they are for Front Porch Forum.
What a wonderful resource in so many ways.
Because of the forum I have learned about events in the area, participated in a research study at UVM, gotten a free desk for my daughter, and found the owner of the chicken that I found dead in the road and disposed of the other day. Both the owner and I were grateful to have located each other and it was all because of the forum.
For those who post and those who run the Forum, THANK YOU for this valuable community resource!
One-woman move and reconnecting with friend after 20 years
Posted on the Montpelier FPF this week…
I just want to give a big shout-out to Front Porch Forum, through which all the details of a (more or less) one-woman move would have been much more difficult. Through FPF, I was able to sell some of the furniture I no longer need, find a mover, hold a successful yardsale (and free pile), find some moving boxes, and, finally, sell my last big item – a washing machine – at the very last minute. But, even better, I met many of my neighbors, who I might not have otherwise met, and discovered that a dear co-worker from 20 years ago has been living right next door to me for almost a year! Thank you FPF!
We asked the author if we could share her posting here, and she responded…
Absolutely use it! You should know that when I participate in outreach and marketing webinars and workshops, and people from out of state find out about Front Porch Forum, they immediately want to know how to get it in their state. I always include it in my list of absolute “musts” for community outreach. I don’t know what we did before you guys came along! (this statement is relevant to my work) but do use anything I say — I really am grateful to you all for the role FPF played in making my move successful.
Communicating with your neighbors
Deanna in Westford shared this today with neighbors on her FPF…
The thing I love about Front Porch Forum is the feeling of connecting with my neighbors and the sense of community. It’s nice to be able to communicate with your friends and neighbors in a positive way.
Critical mass and communication in Waterbury
Posted by Debra on the Waterbury FPF today about the actions of the local long-term community recovery director (Tropical Storm Irene disaster coupled with closing of major employer)…
I want to publicly commend Barbara for her postings on the Waterbury Front Porch Forum.
I admire the way she gets the information out about what projects are happening around town and their status. Her updates to the proposed MC, and times of meetings that are being held, have always been non-opinionated and informative. Also, the inclusion of the various other things going on within our town (e.g., the demolition & reconstruction tours being done at the State complex and even info. about our town’s annual Green-Up Day), are all to the point and give good information for those with a possible interest.
FPF has proven to be a great media tool for passing information quickly, as often-times the date of a meeting or a special event cannot really be planned for because by the time we read about it in the Record, that day is almost upon us and it may be too late to do something.
More & more town citizens sign-up on FPF every day, and while not everyone in this community has a computer, or access to one, most do or they have a smart phone. I’m also guessing that not everyone takes time to log into Waterbury’s Town site. I know I don’t, as I often forget or cannot take time to go the extra step to do so.
But notifications for each FPF hit my personal email box on a daily basis and they are right in front of me. I have found, like I’m guessing others may have as well, that these postings are a a great way to stay in touch with what’s happening (be it projects, updates, for sale stuff, special events, etc.) within our community.
I hope Barbara, or someone else, will continue getting town information out on FPF – even when this current bond vote is resolved one way or the other – as I think it’s a great way to communicate to those who live here, and, for all of us to stay informed as a community. Thanks for doing these, Barb!
Does your Town Energy Committee need to reach neighbors?
From the Vermont Energy and Climate Action Network (VECAN) today…
Would your Town Energy Committee benefit from being able to reach a majority of households in your community ““ for free ““ with a click on the keyboard? That’s just what many TECs do with their local Front Porch Forums. You can too!
Front Porch Forum helps neighbors connect and build community. Michael Wood-Lewis and his wife Valerie started FPF in their Burlington neighborhood in 2006. Since then, local FPFs have spread to every town in Vermont. More than 75,000 households participate. People use their FPFs to recommend contractors, recruit volunteers, find missing dogs, report break-ins, borrow ladders and much more.
The Richmond TEC, for example, uses FPF to get the word out about meetings and programs, as well as to solicit input from residents. 1,900 people subscribe to the Richmond FPF (in a town of only 1,600 households). It’s the most powerful communication tool in town.
FPF recently doubled its coverage area in Vermont to reach the entire state. The more people participate in their forums, the more vibrant they become. Now is a great time to get the word out. Send neighbors to FrontPorchForum.com to register for this free service. You can also download a local FPF flyer at FrontPorchForum.com, or contact membersupport@
frontporchforum.com for other ideas on how to grow your local FPF.
Local public officials in Vermont…
Local town officials in Vermont, whether paid or volunteer, have a tough lot. They take on many challenging tasks, and they frequently are criticized for their efforts.
Attorney Charlie Merriman, or Tarrant, Gillies, Merriman & Richardson, shared the following tidbit with participants at the 69th Annual Town Officers Education Conferences across the state…
Always bear in mind the constitutional goal underpinning our open meeting and public records laws: “Officers of government are trustees and servants of the people and it is in the public interest to enable any person to review and criticize their decisions even though such examination may cause inconvenience or embarrassment.” 1VSA§315
More than 1,000 local public officials participate on their Front Porch Forums in Vermont. As a citizen and tax payer, I’m grateful for their active participation… and their thick skins.
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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