Folly #75: Creating Community (I)
Part 1: Affordable housing funders who gather voices for change.
Last week was my birthday and I forgot to send the Follies. I guess things like this happen as we age.
As some of you know, I live on a houseboat in a wonderful community of people of diverse ages and walks of life. Community feeds my soul. It’s something I notice.
Here’s what I’ve noticed lately.
I’ve seen a small number of funders play a big role in creating space for diverse voices to discuss really tough community challenges. I wish it was something I saw more often, because it is awe inspiring when it happens.
Foundations are in an ideal position to make it happen. Here’s one example.
I have had the honor of working with West Marin Fund, a small community foundation that serves a rural area. I have been absolutely wowed by how well they listen to their local community – and they were not shy about giving me direction on changing the way I teach fundraising, in order to meet the needs of nonprofits in their area. I took their advice to heart.
Voices (and Solutions) for Affordable Housing
I also have a personal connection to West Marin and am eager to learn from local nonprofits about issues in the area. Last week, West Marin Fund gathered residents, employers, workers and community organizations. Here’s how they invited folks.
As our community confronts increased challenges around housing in West Marin, particularly those faced by agricultural and lower-wage workers and their families, we are holding two public information meetings to share updates and insights. We invite ALL community members to come and learn about the situation in more detail and explore actions we can take together to advance housing solutions. These meetings are free and open to all.
– Invitation from West Marin Fund
They schedule two gatherings. I attended one. It was incredible.
In a town with a population of 383, about 200 people participated in the first meeting.
The room was packed. The presentations included findings of a study of the state of housing in the area – one that has been adversely impacted by second and vacation homes, scarcity of long-term rentals, and high rents. The study was funded by a consortium of public and private regional funders.
The entire program was translated and all speakers presented in their first language, whether that was English or Spanish.
About a third of the speakers presented in Spanish. I understood a small amount and was grateful for the translation.
Having a speaker stand up and say, “I’m going to present in Spanish to honor my community” was an excellent reminder of how often I listen to programs where others are asked to make accommodation for my convenience.
On the walls were huge Post-Its with four action items recommended in the housing study. These actions could apply to nearly any community issue.
Use your voice to advocate (for more affordable housing).
Shift community attitudes (by welcoming new neighbors).
Use your resources for change (in this case, by renting space on your property to long-term tenants).
Donate for urgent (housing) action.
Then they asked all attendees to break into groups of 2 to discuss which action item each person would take to address this community’s need for more housing. And then join a 2-person group nearby. And then combine with another 4-person group. Like the old hair commercial, telling a friend created energy and motivation to do something.
(My action item was for homeowners who can rent to share resources together. Navigating permits, repairs and finding tenants can be daunting to an individual who is an accidental landlord. I also met folks from local community land trusts and signed up as a $35/month donor when I got home. I can afford that. I bet you can too.)
Perhaps the most incredible part of the evening was that all this momentum was built in just two hours. They managed to lift all voices and stick to the schedule.
I’m just getting started, but that’s enough for this week.
Next up… Creating Community, Part 2: Finding connection and support in a very personal experience.
Speaking of … enjoy your community for Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving next week!
What a beautiful reminder of the importance of community, especially in such divided times!
I love that you live on a houseboat, Melanie!
On your list of action items, the point about advocacy applies to our relationships with funders, too. I've seen plenty of gradual changes that come when grantees let foundations know exactly what they need. It's not a panacea, but it does give me hope.