Hi friends,

It’s mid-November, and suddenly, we have a Civic Social next week – I apologize for not getting the word out sooner, and I hope some of you can find time to stop in. Details are below. And, in a few weeks, Third Place Commons will host a Community Action Fair focused on food access for all (and inclusive of some related local nonprofits as well). This will be a chance to seek help or give help. Please consider joining the effort and spreading the word.

Every day brings a lot of urgency right now, with news blasts, donation requests, tremendous travel headaches, and so much more. If you are leaping into action, thank you. If you are taking time out, brava. If you are inviting a friend to lunch, taking a walk at lunchtime, emailing your representatives after dinner, or running a food drive, I am grateful. Each of us is finding our path with everyday choices. Collectively, we are doing what needs doing in this moment.

I hope to see you soon, or catch up virtually, or just exchange emails to hear what’s up lately.

Sending civic love,
Erika 

Civic Social at The Hangar, Kenmore,
5:30 - 7:00 PM, Wed. November 19th

You're invited! We're overdue for a Civic Social. Proposing something a little different this time: a conversation using key concepts drawn from the books "This Is Where You Belong" by Melody Warnick, "Bowling Alone" by Robert Putnam, and "The Unthinkable" by Amanda Ripley. Joining the conversation to share her perspective: Suzanne Scott, a local realtor, business owner (Just Hire A Mom), and active community organizer who is constantly looking for fun, accessible ways to engage us locally.

You are all cordially invited and welcome to bring a friend – RSVPs appreciated to get a rough head count for cookies.

A few key concepts from the books to spark our conversation:

• According to a three-year study called "Soul of the Community" cited in "This is Where You Belong," the three qualities with the strongest correlation to loving where you live are: social offerings, aesthetics, and openness / welcoming culture. And, it showed that the more residents are attached to where they live, the better that place does economically. Local GDP in the cities with the highest attachment levels grew 6.9 percent, while cities with the lowest attachment levels grew only .3 percent. 

• According to Robert Putnam, building social capital - trust in each other in the community - is essential for effective governance. His research shows that when residents know and trust each other, they are more likely to collaborate, share information, and solve problems together. Communities with high social capital often have informal communication channels between citizens, civic groups, and government staff. These networks help policies reach people more efficiently and ensure local needs are understood. (Check out his book “Bowling Alone” or catch the film Join or Die streaming on Netflix.)

• According to Amanda Ripley’s research, survival and recovery in disaster situations depend more on who you know than on emergency supplies. People with strong social networks check on each other, share information, and act faster. Connected communities don’t just endure disasters—they adapt through cooperation, communication, and trust.

What do you think about these ideas? Let’s talk about it.

Plus: as always, time to talk about what's top of mind for you on the civic front; make resource suggestions for community action; swap ideas and encourage one another in our efforts. Come for the whole 90 minutes or just drop in; would love to see you!

Community Action Fair at Third Place Commons, Lake Forest Park, 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM Saturday, December 13th

With food access at a crisis level in our community, the Commons Community Action Fair will bring together local service organizations and community members for a morning of action and impact. No need to register; all are welcome.

• Learn how local groups are supporting our community during a time of great need.

• Discover volunteer opportunities where you can lend a hand and make a real difference.

One more thing:
Civic Saturday in the works

It’s been a minute, but after talking with several fellow Civic Fellows this week, a Civic Saturday is in the works, hopefully in February. If you are interested in helping, please give me a shout ([email protected]). Civic Saturday needs: audience outreach, musicians to open and close the event, readers, greeters, and more. Collaboration is part of the magic! More information to come; thanks for considering.