Neighbors for Neighbors

Do stuff with and for your neighbors

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 Terry M. Burke on January 10, 2011 at 7:26pm
Thanks for doing this.  I'd add something about working for justice.
Comment by Joseph Porcelli (Chief Neighbor) on January 10, 2011 at 7:18pm

@ Rebecca - Challenges - Crime, Poverty, Affordable Housing Etc.

@ Ashley - thank for taking the lead on being the first person to comment. 

 

Let's keep this going!

Comment by Rebecca F (community manager) on January 10, 2011 at 7:17pm
2.  I'm not sure what challenges...
Comment by Rebecca F (community manager) on January 10, 2011 at 7:16pm

It sounds great!  I like the values.  I'm not sure what you are saying Ashley.   I'm pretty sure that collaboration and inclusivity are not necessarily driven by being community-driven.  I would say that there are many communities that do not have working collaboration and inclusivity.  In fact I'd say that most communities only have a small portion of inclusivity and open collaboration, but communities that are dedicated to these two words have to actively work to promote these values.  

 

1.  I think the values are a good set.

 

2.  I'm not sure what challenged you are talking about

 

3.  Patience and a positive open-mindedness to being ready to serve my fellow neighbors when the prospect opens up.  (It sounds like I have a lot to work on)

Comment by Ashley Carneal on January 10, 2011 at 6:29pm

Hi Joseph, great post idea.  I want to take a stab at answering all of your questions!

I agree with what you have listed, I can't help but question if "inclusivity" and "collaboration" aren't the foundations or pillars of "community-driven."  Thoughts??   I too can't help but think that "creativity" isn't a cornerstone of the JP community.  There are so many types of folks and establishments here that embody a creative-spirit; in fact, when I tell people that I live in JP that is some of the first words to come out of their mouths!  I cannot think of another community in this city that screams creative more than JP; just walk around Open Studios in September and you'll see that come to life in so many ways.

I think approaching our challenges with our values is - well, in fact, challenging - but getting folks to even recognize that as a community we should create our value "statement" and uphold our duties as a community citizen.  The first way to do that?  Drive awareness - get folks to think about it WHY they live in JP and if they love it, WHY do they love it.

 

Thoughts??

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