thank you for all these ... On Wed, Mar 20, 2013 at 6:30 PM, Skye Hirst <[email protected]> wrote:
> Looks wonderful, sounds wonderful. I'll be right down. (from Maine, > USA) We just had 14 inches of snow last night. Welcome spring. Happy > spring all. in the northern hemisphere. Skye > > > On Wed, Mar 20, 2013 at 9:15 PM, Robyn Williams <[email protected]> wrote: > >> Hello**** >> >> I’m a co-founder and resident of Pinakarri Community in Hamilton Hill, >> Western Australia. However not too far away, closer to the beach in South >> Fremantle, is Hulbert St, an excellent model of “community for the rest of >> us”: >> http://thepaintedfish.com.au/learning-about-sustainability/sustainable-education-with-a-home-grown-feel/hulbert-street/ >> **** >> >> ** ** >> >> Best wishes, Robyn**** >> >> ** ** >> >> Robyn Williams**** >> >> *See**Change**WA***** >> >> Communicate, facilitate and educate**** >> >> for sustainability**** >> >> M: 0424 587 262**** >> >> E: [email protected]**** >> >> Fremantle ~ Geraldton**** >> >> Western Australia**** >> >> ** ** >> >> On Mon, Mar 18, 2013 at 1:51 PM, Robb Kushner <[email protected]> >> wrote:**** >> >> *Community for the Rest of Us: Knitting Neighbors Together* >> * >> Robb Kushner - Jersey City - 2013* >> >> ================================================================= >> >> With all the advances in communications around the globe - and even in >> space - the next frontier is right in our own backyard - in fact, just next >> door. It’s the neighbors we don’t even know. Maybe we recognize them but >> don’t know their names or anything else. Maybe we’re nervous about >> developing a connection because we think we might not like them or we’ll >> have a problem we can’t resolve. >> >> Like Martin Luther King, I ALSO have a dream. I imagine neighbors in >> cities and towns building relationships as they get to know one another. >> Some people may become friends while others may just say “Hi” on the >> street. But, in my dream, people will at least know who lives on their >> block. And bonds of trust will be able to take root and grow. With >> time-tested ways to communicate, we can all get along better and work >> through our differences. Imagine being able to do that - what a concept! >> >> As the saying goes, "There is much more that connects us than separates >> us." We are all alive at this time, and the mere fact that we're breathing >> and our hearts are beating is truly a miracle. And the miracle extends to >> our being aware of - and open to - the people around us. >> >> Clearly, the sense of community people used to feel is sorely lacking for >> many. I don't know how long it's been since most people knew their >> neighbors, but I imagine in earlier societies it was a basic part of >> people's experience. And somewhere along the line - as our society has >> become more complex - we lost touch with that part of ourselves. >> >> Margaret Wheatley, founder of The Berkana Institute, author, and an >> expert in this field, has said, "Whatever the problem, community is the >> answer." In her work, she has been "preparing for unknown futures by >> creating strong and sustainable relationships." >> >> Intentional communities - such as ecovillages and co-housing - where >> people choose to live in proximity based on common goals or ideals - serve >> as examples of what life can be like when people feel a strong bond with >> their neighbors. And while these communities exist in many countries - >> including the US - they are exceedingly rare. That’s why I’m calling this >> idea “community for the rest of us” - in the same way the Macintosh was >> introduced in 1984 as “the computer for the rest of us.” >> >> So what would a connected community look like? Let’s imagine that for a >> minute: >> >> Suppose that I now recognize all of the folks on my block. I learned >> their names and saw their photos using an online application, Nextdoor, >> which has been gaining a foothold across the US and provides a secure >> bulletin board-type web site, available only to residents within a defined >> geographic area. Due to a concerted enrollment effort - including periodic >> open houses - we’ve reached 100% participation on our block. And we held a >> block party during the winter to celebrate the achievement! >> >> And let’s also imagine some of the potential benefits to developing >> communication and trust on our block. Perhaps someday we could boast the >> following:**** >> >> - Several of us on the block have developed skills in Nonviolent >> Communication and in conflict resolution - and we’re helping others learn >> them as well. So, bit by bit, we’re getting better at handling disputes in >> a constructive way.**** >> - We use our web site on Nextdoor to stay in touch regarding any >> occurrences of crime or vandalism - so it augments our crimewatch efforts. >> **** >> - We swap tools and equipment, so people can avoid purchasing >> expensive items that get used only once in awhile.**** >> - Some folks on the block have a meal sharing arrangement where they >> each have to cook only one meal a week - and they make enough to share. >> **** >> - I don’t have to pay the full cost of car ownership. A group of the >> neighbors share the use of several cars - enough so there’s always one >> available when needed - and we distribute the expenses.**** >> - Baby sitters can care for a few kids at a time on a given evening - >> and the kids have more fun in the process.**** >> - We have a communal composting arrangement, set up in some unused >> backyard space. A group of us contribute our food scraps to keep it going >> - >> and each of us can take back fantastically fertile soil for our flower or >> vegetable gardens.**** >> - Last summer, a group of us worked to establish a rain garden which >> not only beautifies our block, it helps harvest rainwater runoff and >> reduces the load in the city sewer system.**** >> >> >> I see this challenge and opportunity as part of a global awakening that’s >> happening - on many levels. People are realizing more and more how precious >> life is - and that being more connected to each other - and to nature - is >> fundamental to our collective growth. >> >> Mr. Rogers had it right all along: “Won’t you be my neighbor?” We have >> things to share - tangible and intangible - that can benefit us all. >> >> I want to help make this vision a reality. Will you assist me? I’d love >> to hear your thoughts - and suggestions! >> >> ================================================================= >> >> *About Robb: * >> >> I grew up on a suburban block in Maryland, just north of DC. Around us >> were young families of varying backgrounds. I played with all the kids on >> the block, and my parents knew nearly all the adults. This seemed like the >> natural way of things. Then, during my college years in Boston and >> Cambridge, I found myself living in an apartment building where hardly >> anyone knew anyone else. “What a strange way to live,” I thought. Being >> strangers to our neighbors has seemed odd to me ever since. >> >> Over the years I’ve learned my forte includes turning people onto ideas, >> places, people, music - and more - that I find interesting. I’m always >> learning - in many areas - and I’m adept at connecting the dots to grasp >> the larger picture. In recent years, my affinity with the natural >> environment has deepened, and I realize more and more how we need to >> connect with each other and also with the earth in moving toward a >> sustainable future. >> >> My career has woven the triple threads of learning, technology, and >> relationship-building. I’ve taught people about systems and also designed >> applications to help people learn and share knowledge. In a variety of >> positions, I’ve developed skills working with others in a collaborative >> mode. I’ve experienced many organizations steeped in the domination model >> of top-down management and am eager to work with and within organizations >> that are more “enlightened” in their management style. >> >> I believe the future is bright for us, if we can truly wake up to all the >> blessings we have and learn how to work together toward common goals. >> >> ================================================================== >> >> *Call to Action: How You Can Help* >> >> In addition to your reaction to “Community for the Rest of Us,” perhaps >> you can be of help in any of these ways:**** >> >> - Do you know someone with whom this vision may resonate? If so, I’d >> love to connect with them for a conversation.**** >> - Can you think of any organizations that might want to fund an >> initiative to help “knit neighbors together” as I’ve outlined here?*** >> * >> - I am seeking to work for an “enlightened” organization with a focus >> on helping people connect and communicate in mutually supportive ways. Can >> you suggest someone who might be interested in my skill set and >> orientation? >> **** >> >> >> Feel free to contact me at [email protected] or 201-349-4481 >> >> ================================================================= >> >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> OSList mailing list >> To post send emails to [email protected] >> To unsubscribe send an email to [email protected] >> To subscribe or manage your subscription click below: >> http://lists.openspacetech.org/listinfo.cgi/oslist-openspacetech.org**** >> >> ** ** >> >> _______________________________________________ >> OSList mailing list >> To post send emails to [email protected] >> To unsubscribe send an email to [email protected] >> To subscribe or manage your subscription click below: >> http://lists.openspacetech.org/listinfo.cgi/oslist-openspacetech.org >> >> > > _______________________________________________ > OSList mailing list > To post send emails to [email protected] > To unsubscribe send an email to [email protected] > To subscribe or manage your subscription click below: > http://lists.openspacetech.org/listinfo.cgi/oslist-openspacetech.org > >
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