HASTINGS’ Post

This is what it is all about! Simply breaking bread together with strangers that become friends and community can be a revolutionary act. Here's to all of you amazing community builders out there, making it happen. It doesn't have to be complicated, expensive, or "perfect" - just real human connection. #designforconnection #socialhealth #communitybuilding

How often do we make space for meaningful connections in our communities? In a time of increasing social isolation, it's vital to prioritize spaces where casual conversations and connections can thrive. Check out the article to learn more!

Leaders often speak to the transformative power of community, but for those of us who have experienced it, it's clear—it's a game changer. We formed bonds in the most unassuming of gyms, working out together for years, despite it being a literal hole in the wall. When it rained we got wet, (but together), no towel service, and I never showered there. There were no luxuries to speak of. Yet when it closed because the dilapidated building didn’t meet corporate standards and the landlord refused to update it. We voiced our opposition to the corporate decisions that shuttered our communal space: we stood united, our protests echoing our commitment. It was our “hole in the wall:” We were a Community. Here even after 15 months and the dispersal to upscale facilities, the original community we built called us back together. Our recent lunch was more than a reunion; it was a celebration of enduring connections. This is the essence of community: a force that outlives the physical spaces where it's born. It's not about the amenities; it's about the spirit, camaraderie, and resilience that flourish. For any CEO, this is a lesson in the power of culture. It's not the walls that matter; it's the people within them. How are you cultivating a sense of community in your organization?

🤩 We're excited! Later this month, we'll participate in an online design workshop with We Are Open Co-op and California State University-Dominguez Hills to build a #communityofpractice that will create a digital space to promote access and training in digital technologies in the CSUDH community. What makes this workshop unique? ➞The approach to building a "minimum viable community of practice" (MVCoP) focuses on intentional, inclusive, and engaging community spaces. →Using the Architecture of Participation (AoP) framework, we'll create a community that empowers individuals to co-create, share knowledge, and foster professional and personal growth. 🔗 Click to learn more about #MVCoPs, the role of #CoPs in #lifelonglearning, and how our upcoming #designworkshop will pave the way for collaborative and organic community growth. https://lnkd.in/etgDU2uF Krystal Rawls, Ph.D.

🏢 Embrace Community Engagement: Initiatives for Michigan Businesses 🤝💡 Community engagement isn't just about giving back—it's about building strong connections and fostering growth. Here are some initiatives for businesses to get involved: 1.Local Events Sponsorship: Support community events, festivals, or fundraisers by sponsoring or participating. It's a great way to increase brand visibility and show support for local causes. 2.Volunteer Programs: Encourage employees to volunteer their time and skills for local nonprofits or community projects. Not only does it benefit the community, but it also boosts employee morale and teamwork. 3.Educational Workshops: Host workshops or seminars on topics relevant to the community, such as financial literacy, entrepreneurship, or sustainable practices. It positions your business as a thought leader and provides value to the community. 4.Small Business Support: Collaborate with other local businesses to offer support programs, mentorship opportunities, or networking events for entrepreneurs and small business owners. 5.Green Initiatives: Implement eco-friendly practices within your business, such as energy efficiency upgrades, waste reduction efforts, or green building certifications. It demonstrates your commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. 6.Art and Culture Promotion: Showcase local artists or cultural events by displaying their work in your commercial spaces or sponsoring art exhibitions. It adds vibrancy to the community and supports local talent. 7.Community Improvement Projects: Invest in neighborhood revitalization projects, beautification efforts, or infrastructure improvements to enhance the quality of life for residents and businesses alike. By actively engaging with the community, businesses in Michigan can contribute to a thriving and resilient local economy while building valuable relationships and goodwill. #BranscoPropertiesMI #CREInsights #BusinessInsights #CommunityEngagement #MichiganBusiness #Connect #Follow #LocalImpact

I don’t know about you, but more often than not, screens make me feel disconnected, not connected. Yet, they do help us find something powerful: the actual space to connect that can reignite a sense of belonging. Places where real connections happen, where collaboration and innovation spark, and where we’re reminded what it actually means to be part of something bigger. Technology isn’t the bad guy—it’s how we use it. It can guide us toward the spaces where we come together in person, cutting across differences to create something meaningful. For me, that’s the soul of Minnesota: lifting each other up and making real, lasting connections. What’s your third space? And what kind of spaces do you think build stronger communities? #Community #MinnesotaProud #Connection https://lnkd.in/gFKPGkXP

Proud to launch our initiative for a beautiful and safe downtown Denver. It starts with: 1) Clean streets safe sidewalks: a downtown without encampments. 2) Easy reporting: through the Clean and Safe Denver app for iPhone and Android (search Clean and Safe Denver in your app store). If you see something say something. 3) Fast response: with our new Denver Ambassadors in yellow vests. These ambassadors include nonprofit community partners, city employees, and private security working together under one unified notice and response system. Anywhere you see someone in a yellow vest, they can help. Whether it’s connecting someone in need to services or helping people get safely home after a ball game. 4) Community activation: through community groups who will host a range of events, from mariachi bands to open mic nights. 5) Business activation: where businesses downtown will be co-authors of the city’s activation to energize their blocks with happy hours and outdoor activities to make an always vibrant downtown. No one can keep Denver beautiful and safe alone, but we can do it together. https://lnkd.in/gg7-uKPy

"In community, we have everything we need." This is the motto that shapes much of the work of GatherFor and its founder, Teju Ravilochan, who we interviewed for this week's edition of Connective Tissue. GatherFor organizes neighborhood teams to support one another like a family, then links these teams together to build the neighborhoods they want. Teju and GatherFor exemplify what it looks like to put the principles of solidarity, proximity, and reciprocity into practice each day—and they are doing so in Brownsville, Brooklyn, home to the largest concentration of public housing in North America. A conversation with Teju is an invitation to imagine a different future built on belonging and care. What does it take to truly center neighbors to shape their neighborhoods? How can celebration help cultivate a community’s collective efficacy? What could it look like to reimagine and re-embed care within neighborhoods? So consider this post an invitation—actually, a forceful encouragement—to read our full Q&A with Teju. https://lnkd.in/e2QRS_pz

At Roof Worx, We believe that community engagement goes beyond just us, and that's why we want everyone to be a part of shaping this extraordinary year. We're on a quest to create something truly special, tailored to the unique spirit of Hickory and its surrounding areas. How Can You Get Involved? We're seeking input, ideas, and inspiration from YOU! Whether you're an #artist, #entrepreneur, #student, #scout, parent, or just someone passionate about community development - your voice matters. Share your thoughts on: What activities would you love to see in this space? What makes Hickory special, and how can we celebrate that in our third space? Any unique features or elements you'd like to suggest? Roof Worx is committed to fostering a sense of unity and connection in our community. Your insights will play a crucial role in making this third space a hub of collaboration for everyone. #CommunityDevelopment #Hickory #NC #RoofWorxCares #BuildingCommunity #ThirdSpaceProject #Collaboration #CommunityEngagement

🤔 What is community visioning, and why should you start? 🎯 Community visioning means collaboratively building a shared roadmap with your community members. 🤝 It is a great way to plan, and a fantastic way to build trust. But anything worth doing, is worth doing right! This post lays out some of the best practices of a community visioning process, drawn from real life examples. Read more about community visioning here! 👇 Mentioned in this post: City of Bloomington, MN, City of Tempe #CommunityVisioning #CommunityDevelopment #LocalGovernment