Goodbye to our Summer 2022 Animators!

At The Neighboring Movement, we train and support organizers across Kansas to identify, connect, and mobilize local assets in the Community Animator Network program (CAN). Organizers in the CAN program are referred to as Animators and they spend 8-weeks learning and practicing foundational skills of Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD). After the 8-weeks they can work on a community building project with the support of staff.

Over the last 8-weeks, our summer cohort has been learning and practicing Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) in their neighborhoods. While we have been meeting virtually during that time, we got to celebrate their progress in-person this Sunday! This means delicious tacos from Molinos paired with meaningful stories of neighborhoods across Kansas.

This cohort had a total of 66 learning conversations, this included neighbors and community members! Each Animator shared the stories of where they live and the existing skills, talents, and passions they discovered.

We heard about creative ways to meet neighbors when you live in an apartment complex. One of our Animators shared that he made himself accessible by making multiple trips to the mailbox until he was able to catch some neighbors outside to introduce himself! He was able to meet a few residents who were interested in a block party. One of those residents loves to grill! Our Animator is hoping to get feedback from more residents in the coming weeks to figure out how they can collaborate and make the block party happen. Animators also met neighbors by walking their dogs and bumping into other folks who were walking their pets.

Animators also shared how they authentically mobilized local assets. Part of this means to engage in reciprocal interactions with our community, such as giving and receiving care. A beautiful result of doing this is relationship building and neighbor-centered leadership! Some Animators used their baking skills to share delicious cookies with new neighbors. Others watered plants while their neighbors were out of town. One Animator received help from a neighbor whose passion and skill revolved around web design! Animators also delivered handwritten thank you notes to neighbors.

We all had a great time connecting on Sunday and we’re excited to see what community projects these Animators take-on as they continue the CAN journey.