Category Archives: social capital
Creating resilient communities in Vermont
Front Porch Forum is proud to be part of the Vermont Digital Economy Project, which has had a big impact across the state over the past couple years.
“VCRD launched the Vermont Digital Economy Project to offer free support to speed flood recovery, spur economic development and job growth, and improve community resilience to disasters. The project worked directly with Vermont towns affected by 2011’s floods to help businesses, nonprofits and municipalities expand their use of online tools. Together with project partners, we helped increase digital literacy and online workforce training, added Wi-Fi and other public access points, brought a community-based social network to every Vermont town, created town websites and community calendars, promoted the use of “cloud” applications, and provided customized small-business and nonprofit training.”
Check out this interactive map for lots of stories and real-world results:
Salisbury Holiday Tree Lighting Trivia Contest
Ken posted the following on Front Porch Forum in Salisbury, Leicester, Ripton and Goshen yesterday:
1) Which holiday tree is larger– Salisbury’s or the Burlington Church Street tree?
2) How about Salisbury’s or the Vatican’s?
Post your responses to FPF. Whoever gets the most right will win a box of delicious cookies and fame at this year’s event which will start at 5 pm THIS SATURDAY at Memorial Park (hayrides, bonfire, Santa, hot cocoa, lighting the magnificent tree) followed by more events at the Salisbury Library (More time with Santa, storybook dedication and reading, food, and refreshments).
Thanksgiving
I’m grateful for this forum,
As I’m sure you all are too,
So as I count my blessings,
I’m counting you good neighbors too.Happy Thanksgiving All!
Posted by Peggy on the Jericho Front Porch Forum.
Moving to Ripton… neighbor gratitude
“Thanks to a Front Porch Forum member, I quickly found help for my move to the Ripton area. Hurrah!” Posted by Jean on the FPF that serves Ripton.
Kindness of neighbors… priceless
Lisa posted the following on the Front Porch Forum in West Windsor, Vermont, a few days ago…
I came home this morning to grab my 4 winter tires (Nokian studded snows) and they were GONE! I paid $650 for those tires just last year so I could live here, so I could get to work, make a life.
That was taken from me. I have no money to replace those tires and don’t know how I will be able to keep my job.
The police can’t help.
If anyone hears any rumors about someone selling used Nokian studded snows or knows of anyone who may have some information, please contact me…
I guess this is a reminder to watch for ourselves and our neighbors. Maybe it’s a good time to introduce ourselves to our neighbors BEFORE something bad happens. Maybe together, as a community, we can have safe homes/neighborhoods to live in.
Thieves are obviously in the area 🙁
Although she has yet to recover her tires, the FPF posting did net something else for her and her neighbors…
I want to thank the people in our community for the kind responses I received, after posting on Front Porch Forum.
It was heartwarming to come home to several e-mails, offering kind words and even offers of tires! Unfortunately, none fit but the kind offers meant so much more than any set of tires.
Tires can be replaced. The kindness of others is priceless.
Eureka Idea!
What you have started with FPF, is simply an eureka idea.
The website is very sophisticated as well as easy to read.
Fine, fine work and so needed.
An honest, trustworthy site. Thank you!
What a lovely note to receive today. Thank you, Judith in Burlington!
Relocalizing Vermont on WGDR
Skepticism –> incredulity –> acceptance
The good folks at FeverBee are channeling Saul Alinsky today…
If you try to build a community for a group of people (especially within an existing boundary i.e. employees), they tend to react the same way.
First, they’re skeptical.
They don’t know you. They don’t have time for the community. They’re worried that the community will change a status quo that benefits them… You must remain enthusiastic and keep pushing. You must work with the rare believers in your vision, not those against it.Second, they’re incredulous.
They can’t believe it’s succeeding. Why are people going along with this? Are they crazy? They set an increasingly angry tone. You must not react/respond to them… Be open to any questions they have. Don’t let them provoke a negative reaction that will undermine your efforts.Third, they accept it.
They’re members. This is quite sudden. Once they realize they’re in danger of being left behind, they become members.
As we’ve opened up online Front Porch Forum communities for every locale in Vermont, we find many who welcome us gladly, some who are indifferent, and a few who follow Alinsky’s pattern above. But those few make a lot of noise and demand our attention. We remain open to input, concerns and fresh ideas… but we’ve also come to realize that the initial skepticism and incredulity will most likely be replaced with acceptance in a few weeks… and even blossom into vigorous use and championing of their local FPF to neighbors.
Working toward peace & justice… from the ground up
If there is to be peace in the world,
there must be peace in the nations.
If there is to be peace in the nations,
there must be peace in the cities.
If there is to be peace in the cities,
there must be peace between neighbors.
If there is to be peace between neighbors,
there must be peace in the home.
If there is to be peace in the home,
there must be peace in the heart.
• Lao-Tse,
#602, Singing the Living Tradition, Unitarian Universalist Association
Working toward peace and justice… whether focused on nations, cities, neighborhoods, families or individuals… it’s all important and necessary. It seems that each level of work is required to support the levels that are closer to the ground. E.g., Front Porch Forum is focused on neighbors; however, we must also work with FPF members who do not have a certain amount of peace in the heart.
Budding farmer seeking stick shift lessons
Posted by Hillary this week on her Winooski Front Porch Forum…
Hey friends!
I’m new to the neighborhood — I’ve loved FPF since I joined… I’m hoping you can help me!
I’m a young farmer and am applying for my absolute dream job. I have made it to the 2nd round of interviews and just found out that I must know how to drive manual. And I don’t… yet. Hopefully that’s where you come in!
Would you mind helping me learn how to drive manual? I’m a quick study and understand the way a manual transmission works. I’ve used many tractors and am familiar with shifting and clutches… I’ve just never had the chance to learn!
I’d be happy to rent a manual transmission car if you don’t feel comfortable driving yours. I can offer lunch at Pingala (my favorite place!) or some beers for an hour or so of your time.
Hoping to hear from you! Thanks!!
What’s on your 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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