Category Archives: Neighborhood
A matter of trust
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/
We need … neighbors.
FPF friend and journalist
“Neighbors were optional for much of the last 50 years. We became hyper-individualists surveys show that three-quarters of Americans have no relationship with their next-door neighbors, which is a novel situation for humans. But in the next 50 years, we’re going to need our neighbors again. The fat years are past and the lean years are upon us even as we try to rebuild our planet against the predations of the rich and powerful, we’re going to require stronger communities for sheer survival. Ask the people trying to recover from Hurricane Harvey, from Maria, from the firestorm that raked California.” –
This speaks to our work. Hosting Front Porch Forum across Vermont over the past decade, we’ve seen the value of neighbors during and after natural disasters and other crises.
Build your local networks of neighbors now, and then you’ll have that investment in social capital to fall back on in times of need in the future.
Furniture found for family in need
Neighbors reach out through FPF to help a family:
“When we posted a request for help for a family of four, many people came through right away. Today we were able to deliver a mattress, a dresser, and a chair to them. They are very grateful. And, we are thankful for this generous community. Front Porch Forum is great.”
• Margaret and George in Middlebury
Know someone who could use a helpful hand? Turn to your neighbors on FPF!
Uplifting moments after fires destroy homes
Recent fires, while tragic, also remind us how generous our communities can be helping those in need. FPF members respond:
“The fire at my home took almost everything from me. Despite my losses, I will be able to remember it as one of the most uplifting moments as well due to the outpouring of generosity, kindness, and love from the Montpelier Community. Never have I felt more cared for, or supported.” • Lauren in Montpelier
“Big Thanks to all the folks who worked their frozen fingers to the bone making it possible to save our store, library and community. If you see or know a Fire department Volunteer, please share your gratitude for keeping our town/village intact. This includes our Village and town employees as well. Thanks to all of you who reached out, stepped up, and pitched in; it’s what makes our town resilient and a place we want to live.” • Kim in Johnson
Front Porch Forum members respond to a call for help for a family who’s house was completely destroyed:
“I would like to thank everyone for the tremendous generosity and support. Knowing the love and support the community has shown is greatly helping them through this tragic time. Let us use this as a reminder to always reach out and help our neighbors.”
• Heidi in Monkton
Hibernating bear wakes up
“A Front Porch Forum post (from Kim in Shelburne) warning neighbors about the possible wandering bear yielded almost twenty email responses. Though she was the only one to actually see evidence of the animal, she said people were very interested in her experience.
Early spring flooding and warmer weather can bring the bears out, but colder weather will drive them back to sleep until an extended period of warmth spring occurs.
If you see a bear, or signs of a bear, there’s no need to panic or call Fish and Wildlife. Mary (with the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department) said, “It’s cool to see them. Be careful that animals don’t get in the way of the bear, and enjoy seeing wildlife.” • As reported in the Shelburne News
Will the recent warmer temps awaken more bears? Keep your neighbors updated on FPF!
Wallets found… over and over again
It’s great to hear the Front Porch Forum community is filled with honest, caring folk!
“Happy to say the wallet I found has been returned to a very thankful 7 yr old young lady. The power of FPF shines again!” • Rob in Shelburne
“Thank you, to the kind soul who found the missing handbag and turned it in. My visitor is greatly relieved to be reunited with her phone wallet and everything else in the bag. Acts of honesty and integrity like this are what make this such a great community.” • Wendelyn in Stowe
“I had posted yesterday that my mother in law lost her wallet. Thank you FPF for reuniting my MIL with her wallet! An honest and kind neighbor reached out within minutes of last night’s post.” • Gillian in So. Burlington
“I want to give a big thank you to the nice man that found my brother in-law’s wallet. I believe his first name is Jeff. Williston is a better place to live because of people like you.” • Donna in Williston
Have you lost or found a wallet, phone or other important item someone might be missing? Post on your neighborhood Front Porch Forum!
Providing support in slippery weather
Changing weather can result in difficult walking and driving conditions. Witnessing Front Porch Forum members helping their neighbors is very gratifying.
“Thank you to the neighbors who brought my trash and recycling bins up from the road to my garage!! There has been so much ice at the end of the driveway for the past couple of days, that I was afraid of falling.” • Susan in Montpelier
“Thank you to the kind person who sanded our driveway. It was a sheet of ice and we came home that afternoon to a well sanded driveway. Whoever you are, we are so appreciative of your kindness.” • Susan in Johnson
“Much gratitude to whoever laid sand down on my sheet of ice driveway the other morning!” • Lisa-Anne in Craftsbury
Have someone you wish to thank for their kindness? Let them know on FPF!
New survey in Vermont reveals more trust among neighbors
Tapping 145,000 Front Porch Forum members across Vermont, a recent independent, large-scale survey revealed that FPF members know and trust their neighbors at double national averages. They also have more hope for the future of their local communities. More than 15,000 FPF members across Vermont responded to the survey.
78% of survey respondents say that their neighbors trust each other vs. 38% of Americans that say they trust their neighbors.
“It makes you proud to live in a place with such a strong sense of community.” • John in Panton
The new survey, conducted by Network Impact and supported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, also found a similar pattern when asking related questions:
85% of survey respondents in Vermont are optimistic about the community where they live vs. 44% of Americans who feel hopeful about the future of their neighborhoods.
69% of survey respondents in Vermont know most of their neighbors vs. 26% of Americans who can recognize most of their neighbors.
“The recent survey shows that 89% of respondents say their neighbors help others, and 79% say that their neighbors pitch in on community projects. Being neighborly is paid forward in Vermont… to everyone’s benefit.” • Michael Wood-Lewis, Co-Founder and CEO of Front Porch Forum
This survey was commissioned by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and Front Porch Forum, and conducted by Network Impact. More than 15,000 FPF members (out of 132,000 surveyed) across Vermont responded in March 2017, yielding a 99% confidence level in the results. See here for Network Impact’s report about their survey.
Downsizing with the help of neighbors
“Another use for Front Porch Forum: downsizing! I recently cleared out a shed by posting on FPF and giving the objects away for free. The lawn mower, rain barrel, etc were spoken for within minutes and people came to pick them up within a couple of days. It was so easy!” • Paige in Ferrisburgh
The items you no longer need could be just what your neighbor is looking for…. remember to post about items you’re looking to sell or donate on FPF!
Connecting with neighbors through the library
Librarians have been making great use of Front Porch Forum for over 10 years!
“Here’s your chance to get out of the house and meet your fellow Moretownites at this after hours get together at the library. Bring a snack to share (you got too many holiday cookies perhaps?), and be prepared to play Apples to Apples as our first game.”
• Librarian, Moretown Memorial Library, Moretown
“The Friends of the Castleton Free Library are thankful to be able to use Front Porch Forum to connect and share with our community. FPF certainly is a great asset to our community!” • Liz in Castleton
Over 90 librarians participate on FPF. Does yours?
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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