Category Archives: social capital
Wood pellet load in Duxbury… no problem
“Need a helping hand… I’m a 71-year-old disabled man in need of help bringing inside about 20 bags of wood pellets. Call anytime. Thanks.”
• Brett, Duxbury FPF
“Thank you to Front Porch Forum, it took only 5 minutes to get the help I needed. Thank you again.”
• Brett, Duxbury FPF
Small data vs. big data
Writing for the Brookings Institution and Huffington Post, Hollie Russon Gilman…
Until fairly recently it was not uncommon for new members of a community to bake muffins or a pie to introduce themselves to their new neighbors. Today, people have more robust digital social networks and are less likely to engage in these types of activities. Some organizations are attempting to translate these activities to the online world. Front Porch Forum a startup in Burlington, Vermont is trying to make a safe space for neighbors to discuss the nuts and bolts of their community. People must identify their full names and streets — helping build networks of trust. Neighbors post and discuss issues related to their communities. The platform serves as a source of information — ever critical with declining local papers and coverage. The ultimate goal is to get people out of the house by creating a feedback loop inspiring in-person activity.
In Burlington there are more than 15,000 users (out of 16,000 households) with some households having more than one account, as discussed on TechPresident. Front Porch is expanding to other cities. These types of platforms have the ability to use local data to create stronger, more resilient communities. Citizens provide and receive data from their neighbors, which, in turn, can improve the overall quality of life.
Housing problem solved… for goldfish
“Thanks to FPF and a kind recipient, my two 4-inch Calico Koi-type Goldfish are moving from a 2-bedroom to a Mansion!!!”
• Carolyn, Middlebury Front Porch Forum
Burlington beekeeper can’t pass up neighbors’ postings
“Most of us, when we go away on vacation, try to avoid the television, divert our attention away from national news stories, perhaps even lose track of events affecting our Green Mountain state. That pretty much sums up my approach at least. But in perusing my emails, the one thing I cannot pass up is the daily Front Porch Forum e-newsletter.
“Why is that? For me, it’s that eye in the sky that allows me to feel connected with events taking place literally feet from my front porch. There is no need to wonder if the content is relevant. It’s my neighborhood with my neighbors talking about things that they feel are worth sharing. An extra benefit, of course is our city councilors’ and NPA reports, police and fire notices, and information on various initiatives in the city that might be of interest to us.
“FPF has also allowed me as a beekeeper to share what comes out of my backyard with those who provide their backyards to my bees. I have the opportunity to meet new neighbors and welcome back those who have purchased again and again chatting for a while about what an amazing place we live, a place that provides so much diversity and opportunities for expression and creativity.
“I can’t think of what could possibly replace Front Porch Forum, and I hope I never have to.”
• Randy, Old North End Burlington FPF
Enough Halloween candy in Lincoln already!
Oct. 27 FPF posting: “Last year someone suggested that people who live outside of the village area might help to contribute to the large amounts of Halloween candy handed out within the center of Lincoln… If you are willing to contribute a bag or two of candy, please drop it off at the Town Office by Thursday at 2pm, or at my house by Friday. I will make sure it gets distributed to the people who have requested it. Thank you!”
• Sally, Town Hall
Oct. 29 FPF posting: “Lincoln People – I am a little overwhelmed by the power of Front Porch Forum and the generosity of our community. All day long, people have been walking into the Town Office donating Halloween candy for households in the center of Lincoln. Now it’s getting a little embarrassing to accept any more. Weathervane folks have already taken what they need and I still have about 15 bags of candy here in the office. Most people donated more than one bag, and some didn’t even have children of trick-or-treat age. If there are other households in the center of town who want to hand out candy, please contact me at home and I will drop some off. Are there firefighters who want to hand out candy at the station? I can set you up. Any Bristol people need some? I know you distribute to five towns of kids.”
• Sally, Town Hall
Neighbors on the look out… 14-year-old Persian finds her own way home
“Our 14-year-old gray persian cat, Kit, made her way back to us at 4:00 AM this morning. She’s in remarkably good health. Thank you all for your words of wisdom and kindness. Special thanks to Lindsey who reads FPF… she saw a gray cat on her porch and called us. Also to our friends and neighbors Marilyn, Wendy, Jeanne, and Tom. Even people we don’t know, Bonnie and Ann… we thank you all for caring! ONE GREAT EXPERIENCE WITH FPF!”
• Wendy, Colchester neighborhood Front Porch Forum
Good or bad, first read of the day
I just contributed to Front Porch Forum. Why? Because it has brought our communities together more than any other way I know.
I also contributed because when I posted a notice that my book had just been published, people read about it on FPF and bought my book!
Front Porch Forum is the first email I open every day to see what’s going on around me, good or bad. It has become a vital part of my day.
• Ted, Underhill FPF
Realtor’s recommendation for homebuyers
“As a real estate agent, when I help folks buy a home, I always recommend signing up with Front Porch Forum. We are so fortunate to have FPF keeping us informed about what is going on… it’s such an easy way to connect with neighbors. Please consider making a contribution, if you can, so that we can continue having this wonderful neighborhood service.”
• Sandy, Burlington FPF
Annual investment in community…
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“It feels good to connect with neighbors through Front Porch Forum. It also feels good to make a donation to support this wonderful resource. It was very easy to do, so please consider contributing here or by mailing in a check: https://frontporchforum.com/supporting-members “
• Sharon, Shelburne FPF
“I just contributed to our forum because I find it to be an invaluable tool to keep in touch with our community in many ways. Most of us use it – please support it!“
• Bruce, Westford FPF
“We just made our annual investment in Front Porch Forum. It was an easy decision. FPF has been a source of valuable information and neighborhood connection, and we depend on it. If we depend on it, then we have to support it. Please join us!“
• Hope, a Burlington neighborhood FPF
Where would I be without…
“Where would I be without Front Porch Forum? My first post, 8 years ago, immediatlety landed me 4 part-time jobs. Those jobs turned into relationships that have shaped my life, leading me to incredible friendships, a rewarding career, the realtor of my dreams, and many other experiences I never thought possible. That post, “seeking odd jobs”, took me further than any other single action! I will always be incredibly grateful for FPF!
“Please support this gem of a resource, and while you’re at it, tell your story! It’s worth it!”
• Shannon, Burlington’s Old North End 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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