Neighbors for Neighbors

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Our 5 community values: What do you think?

Today at 11 am, I stopped working for a few minutes to participate in the Moment of Silence for the victims in Tucson Arizona.

As I paused, I thought about the millions of people around our nation who were also participating. I got the chills. 

I wondered who the other people were, where they lived, how they were effected by the tragedy, and what values we have in common.

This experience made me think it would be helpful that as a community we spent some time re-examining and agreeing on our values. My theory is that we would realize we want the same things. Knowing we want the same things, I expect we'd be more tolerant, respectful, and helpful to each other - even when we believe in different approaches.

The following are our current community values:
  • Community-driven
  • Inclusive
  • Collaborative
  • Fun
  • Innovative

Let's explore the following questions:
  1. Should any values be added or detracted, if so, which and why?
  2. How might approaching our challenges with our values in mind make a difference?
  3. What simple behaviors can we practice everyday as individuals that benefit the greater community?

Please leave a comment below with your thoughts. Kindly start your response with the question(s) you are answering. 

Joseph

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Comment by sandraqu on January 12, 2011 at 2:12pm
  1. Should any values be added or detracted, if so, which and why?

Yes!  Proactively green, and dog-friendly

Comment by Loay on January 11, 2011 at 2:25pm
I wish we could find a way to transcend class difference or work towards economic equality
Comment by Ruby Rose Fox on January 11, 2011 at 11:40am
I agree that it would be great to get people together about the the values of our community and perhaps co-create them- though I like your list Joe. I'd also add something about working for social justice.
Comment by Rebecca F (community manager) on January 11, 2011 at 10:30am

Thanks for asking that question Ashley.  Joe, should we begin to define the different communities in JP?  Y'know, neighborhoods, schools, work places, groups that have a common interest...

 

It might then be easier to be aware of what the needs of the communities are and which ones we think we can help in different ways. -Rebecca

Comment by Juan Gonzalez on January 11, 2011 at 9:07am
Thanks for encouraging residents to think about it.  It is sad to witness again violent incidents and how they impact our way of thinking.  We need to be alert and avoid to be driven by "hate" and "intolerance".  Once we understand we have so much in common, then we together could celebrate life and support each other. 
Comment by Joseph Porcelli (Chief Neighbor) on January 10, 2011 at 8:30pm
@ Ashely - great question. There are many communities that make up the Jamaica Plain community. One thing we need to be aware of and do our best to achieve is to make sure all "communities" have a voice, are heard, appreciated, respected, and included.
Comment by Ashley Carneal on January 10, 2011 at 8:25pm
@ Rebecca: your last comment sparked a question in my head - what IS the definition of a community?  Is it possible for the "different populations" of JP to each have their "own" community?  And if so, is that a bad thing?
Comment by Rebecca F (community manager) on January 10, 2011 at 7:50pm
It would be great to get the different populations of JP in one central location somehow.
Comment by Rebecca F (community manager) on January 10, 2011 at 7:49pm

2.  I think it would look VERY different from other communities.  Being inclusive might mean reaching out to people in housing projects and low income areas by being more visible.  I'm not including the police, but getting people out of their homes for more positive experiences.  Maybe starting with potlucks and community building workshops.  Offering homework clubs at the projects and not just at school might also work.  I'm not sure about affordable housing.  I'm always filled with ideas!  However DOING is another thing.

Comment by Joseph Porcelli (Chief Neighbor) on January 10, 2011 at 7:28pm
@ Terry - you're welcome. Thank you for contributing!

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