This is a story of how someone connected her neighbors to each other through a booklet.
There are many ways to help create a closer community and society. One of our friends, Mina, who lives in an apartment in Maryland, created a community booklet with other residents. “For me it was strange to have the same roof over our heads, and, live closer than ever but not know our neighbors.” Mina says.
“I sent an invitation for submission to all residents through the building page. Many of them got back to me with amazing submissions, stories, poems and recipes.” Also they had a broad age range from children to older adults.
Our only condition for submission was for their work to be original. A contribution created by the residents for the other fellow residents. ”
As this booklet was a success, Mina decided to continue with a monthly or seasonal publication. However, fewer submissions were received in the next round of invitation, compared to the first time. Mina says: “I think people were too busy to participate or the value of connecting with neighbors was not as clear. Perhaps living too close also creates a need for more privacy. I am not sure.”
Given the number of submissions, Mina decided to create a poster instead of a booklet. Mina says: “I was walking in the backyard of our apartment and saw a trainer, working with one of the residents. I approached him and introduced our newsletter/booklet/poster. He sent me a story for the next edition in a couple of days.”
“Everything had the potential to be shared in one way or another. I became more aware of my surroundings and felt my neighborhood and my neighbors were more kind. I also felt I knew everyone in a sweet and beautiful way. I moved to a different neighborhood after two years of living in our apartment but I hope this experience left the residents with a good memory and brought them together.”
Tangled Joy 