Building Blocks
How do we create stronger supportive communities?
The world can feel like A LOT right now. There is so much going on, and so much of it is negative, that it’s hard to know where to even start if you want to make change.
Building Blocks is a way to start building community on your own block.
By building connections with your neighbors, you can build POWER. We can create communication networks. We can support each other. We can work together to be a force for good!
It’s simple — just start a group chat for the neighbors on your block. See below for how a simple group chat can benefit you and your neighbors.
If you want to take it to the next level, you can keep building outward and upward. You can spread the word throughout your neighborhood for other blocks to start their own group chats. You can create a network of “block coordinators,” on person from each block who communicate together. See below how your neighborhood could benefit from a neighborhood-wide chat.
Join our initiative to help neighbors form community together
Set up a group chat for the neighbors on your block
Reach out to people on neighboring blocks to do the same
Set up a group chat for your block
A block group chat opens the door to creating a tight knit community of support between you and your neighbors
What will happen when you set up a group chat on your block?
“Anybody have a spare egg? I’m one short for my recipe”
“Everybody welcome at my firepit tonight at 7, bring a chair and a beer!”
“Do you guys know what the deal is with the road closure on Club?”
“Getting tree work done today, look out for big trucks”
“Going out of town this weekend, please keep an eye on the house”
“Betty just had surgery, I’m setting up a mealtrain for her if anybody wants to sign up”
If you want, you can take it to the next level!
Have one person from each block join a neighborhood-wide group chat
How could a neighborhood-wide chat like this be used?
During an ice storm when the roads aren’t drivable
“Someone on my block needs nebulizer tubing for her kid with asthma, she can’t find it and he needs it urgently. Anybody have that?”
When the power gets knocked out and the temps are very high or very low
“One of my neighbors is elderly and frail, anybody with a generator willing to host her for a few hours while we wait for it to come back?”
When a thunderstorm knocks down a huge branch
“Anybody have a chainsaw we could borrow? Need to cut and move a big heavy limb that’s blocking a car into its driveway.”
When you want to ask a private question but don’t want your name out there (like you would using an email list serv)
“Anybody have a great divorce attorney recommendation for my block?”
More info on this kind of initiative:
How I’m Building Blocks in my own neighborhood
Why Neighborhood Block Parties are Good for Democracy
Knowing our Neighbors: A Crucial First Step to Organizing in Times of Despair
We are stronger together
Connect with your neighbors
Build community
Form a network