Community Builders in Action

Today, I am spotlighting some of our Community Builders' incredible work this year. They've put so much hard work, commitment, and time into their neighborhoods and communities. I'm honored to watch them flourish as Animators—connecting neighbors, community members, small businesses, and other key stakeholders in lasting ways that create sustainable, connected communities. 

Brooke

Brooke embodies the idea that small, consistent acts of care and relationship create the foundation of culture change. In the fall of 2023, she participated in a CAN Learning Cohort. During that program, she worked hard to develop relationships within a disconnected neighborhood, serving as the connector who brought her neighbors into relationships with her and each other. 

This spring, Brooke moved to a new neighborhood in Wichita, leaving a culture of care and connection in her old neighborhood. She has since not only kept in contact with some of those previous neighbors but has also learned that they are continuing to welcome new neighbors into their now more connected neighborhood group. I am so excited to watch Brooke's progress within her new neighborhood as she discovers the abundance of assets and passions lying in wait.

Clarissa 

Clarissa's passion for mental health awareness is powerful. She was so powerful that she organized a community 5K walk/run around mental health awareness in less than two weeks in Liberal, KS. With the help of a community ally, Clarissa coordinated and spread the word about the event. Over 30 people showed up in support, and over $400 in donations! The money raised from the event will go towards assisting with mental health costs for community members who cannot afford needed treatments or therapy. 

Clarissa shared that the event was a success, not just because of the number of attendees but also because of how those participants connected during the event. One woman who had been struggling with social anxiety and isolation came to the event and not only completed the race but also made a new friend. 

Connected communities play a massive role in individual well-being. Congratulations to Clarissa for pulling this together! She continues investing deeply in her community with her time, hard work, and leadership through connection. 

Donna 

Donna is one of our volunteer community builders who lives in North Carolina. After participating in some of The Neighboring Movement's faith-based programs, Donna was looking for group accountability to continue connecting her neighbors and those in her faith community. And she has been busy! 

Donna hosted a contest in collaboration with the City of Havelock centered around transforming "trash to treasure." Donna is passionate about environmental justice. She wants to bring awareness to wasteful habits and how we can use a creative, accessible approach to repurpose items that still have a lot of life left! I am excited to see Donna continue to catalyze her community, mobilizing folks around Creation Care and environmental justice. 

Karen

Karen lives in our founding SoCe neighborhood and has been busy this year. She created a SoCe Safety Team that meets weekly and continues to plan and host monthly events in Lincoln Park throughout the year. The most recent event was Neighborfest, which had over 150 attendees! 

Karen has united neighbors and key community stakeholders by developing partnerships with Hamilton Middle School and the City of Wichita. She is an expert in extending an invitation to neighbors to help encourage them to become more connected in SoCe. Karen's continued commitment to the SoCe neighborhood has moved slowly at times as she laid the foundation for sustainable neighborhood culture change and care by building trusting relationships with her neighbors. 

Kieryn 

Kieryn joined our Community Builders cohort this year. Per's passion for inclusivity and belonging is per's superpower. This superpower is highlighted by the planning, coordinating, and implementing of McPherson County Pride this year. Kieryn's efforts have involved extensive networking throughout the city and county to bring stakeholders together in a way that shows support and inclusivity for the queer community present in these rural areas. 

Over the past months, Kieryn has collected community wisdom to share during Pride. The transfer of this knowledge and advice is invaluable to people from unsupportive families and communities. One of pers favorite pieces of wisdom received was from Nontie Ira.

"In the sacred space of queerness community, people who were, are, and are to come, there are only arms to catch, hold, and accept your experiences in their entirety." – Nontie Ira

Not only has Kieryn involved local McPherson businesses and institutions, but per was able to find a connector in Lindsborg who has mobilized 19 local businesses to commit to creating a safe space for the queer community. I want to congratulate Keryn on these fantastic achievements!