Dear Clients, Colleagues, and Friends
Some of you may know that block parties have been a passion project of mine since introducing them to my town in 2018. What started as “Wilton’s Big Block Party Weekend” has now turned into “Block Party USA.” My personal mission of helping parents build connection and community within the home now includes stepping out their front door.
I know it feels like “one more thing to do,” but I promise you need this. Many parents are maxed out and connecting with your neighbors improves life emotionally and practically (check out the Ripple Effect graphic below). Remember that your child’s well-being and resilience rests firmly on your well-being as their parent. Our hopelessness becomes theirs. Countless kids have declared their block party as “the best day of the year.”
I’ve included the full email that I just sent to my Block Party USA subscribers below. Attached you will find a guide to help you make it happen – and/or join my March zoom!
Dear Community, Play, Human, and Fun Enthusiasts
I hope this finds you doing ok. No matter your political leanings, it’s rough out there. Many feel powerless, emotions are high, moods are low, and relationships we care about are being sacrificed. But it doesn’t have to be that way. We are all so much more than our politics and we need to focus on our common ground as Americans, as humans living our short (and sometimes shorter) lives on this earth.
We need to build our social connections, not shrink them. The trajectory we are on is not a great one and our divisiveness and isolation will continue to grow, unless we take action and disrupt that cycle. You have the power to make change happen. By the simple act of organizing a block party for your neighbors, you are doing what is in your power to make your lives and this country a better place.
For those of you that are interested in promoting this idea within your town or organization, please know that we are working on a guide just for you! Email me at info@blockpartyusa.org with any challenges or questions you would like answers to!
I hope that you are able to join me over zoom on Tuesday, March 18th from 12-12:30pm ET to learn more, find out how to make it easy, and ask some questions!
Block parties have many benefits – BE THE ONE to make the difference. For you, for your family, and for your community!
Block Party USA March Zoom/Office Hours
Tuesday, March 18th from 12:00pm-12:30pm ET
Meeting ID: 820 0975 1912
Zoom Meeting Link:
ICYMI
Grateful to Strong Towns for producing not one but TWO fabulous videos on block parties and including Block Party USA!
The Block Party: Where Did It Go? (The Rise, Fall, and Power of Block Parties) Is an entertaining, informative, and inspiring 13 minute video. I’m featured along with Norm Van Eeden Petersman of Strong Towns and hip-hop pioneer,and homeless hero Shams DaBaron!
and
Block Party Ripple Effect (why they matter) It's only 57 seconds and highlights how a block party is just the launching spot and the benefits are never-ending. Adults, teens, and children all benefit from the ripple effect of the feeling of belonging, seeing a friendly face, and that they are known, and not anonymous. You get the chance to help, as well as feel the support and experience the fact that you are not alone in the world.
ICY(Really)MI
Block Party USA in the December issue of Costco Connection Magazine!
Block Party USA included as a resource for the Office of the U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek H. Murthy’s "Recipes for Connection" on building social connection through gathering over food. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) website.
Together, each in our own neighborhoods, streets and buildings, we will create connection, community, and a life worth living.
Be brave. Be the one.
Human Connection and Mental Health Activist
P.S. Block Party USA now has neighbors from 45 states (and multiple countries!) signed up. We are only missing Maine, New Mexico, South Dakota, West Virginia, and Wyoming! Please let me know if you reside in one of those states and/or please share our mission with friends and family in those states. Can’t wait to have neighbors involved nationwide!
P.P.S. Stop right now and take three deep belly breaths! I realized last week that it had been ages since I had done that! It made an immediate difference and was just what I needed. I continue to put it on my daily to do list. ❤️
