Thank you Sue.
I have been involved in lots of attempts.
You ask, "how do we begin to develop community in our neighborhoods?"
Not easy getting past the superficial conversations.
There are good models to guide us: M. Scott Peck, Peter Block, Parker Palmer, Charles Eisenstein, and others. all worth studying. They all agree: very few of us have experienced genuine community.
From my experience and study, it takes commitment and perseverance. It takes frequent meetings, diving in, rolling up sleaves, staying with it. I have always dreamed of a being part of a group committed to doing what it takes to develop genuine community. It takes a willingness to press thru real chaos and uncertainty.
Paul Razor, a Unitarian Universalist minister and college professor of theology, cites a survey done in the late 90's of UU's showing that most people come to that faith based "community" for personal enrichment and to be comforted -- not to build beloved community. Interesting.
Eisenstein says that at this point we really do not need each other; we can buy whatever we need. Until the economy collapses, thing may continue that way. Next step: gift economy.
At least the conversation is becoming more evident.
Things ae moving in that direction, however slowly.
The power of intention and attention.
jim
Thanks for sharing this article. Of course, community and neighborliness make for healthier communities. I think we know that intuitively--but if we've never experienced it, how do we begin to develop community in our neighborhoods. Communities of faith can fill this need in large urban areas, as can other social groups, but we need to help society as a whole benefit and understand that we are all in it together. When you treat people with respect, with love, you will receive the benefits of that good will most of the time. We restore dignity to one another!!
Blessings,
Sue Peterson
On Sunday, August 12, 2012 10:02:43 PM UTC-4, KT wrote:--I think people on this list serv will appreciate this article about the correlation between unemployment and community cohesiveness in American cities. Jim, you especially will like this one:
http://www.csmonitor.com/The-Culture/Family/2012/0603/ Employment-solutions-Can-a- town-s-good-deeds-lower- unemployment#.UCaORmQS1lE. mailto
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