Did WOO HOO in the headline stop you in your tracks? Perfect. Now that I have your attention, I’ll get right to it. In this edition we give space to articles focused on connecting — a way to build community. Before you change the channel — connections, community, blah, blah, blah — hear me out: people NEED to connect. You may even be one of those people.
“…connections, community, blah, blah, blah…”
I’m not making this up. There have been myriad articles published on the global condition of human loneliness. Even the U.S Surgeon General recently weighed in: tinyurl.com/3ss7fnyx.
At the hyper-local level, in the last 30 days I’ve talked to four people in and near our neighborhood who find it challenging to meet people, leaving them feeling isolated and alone. One woman has lived here for eight years and still hasn’t found her people.
It doesn’t have to be this way.
At a BWNA street painting project held this summer (see page 6), passers-by stopped to chat and applaud the volunteers and the artists. New volunteers had the chance to meet board members and other volunteers, all of whom departed with paint-spattered clothes and the glow of shared satisfaction on their faces.
At the first-ever BWNA Art & Garden Tour (see page 10), a refrain heard repeatedly from event-goers was how wonderful it was to see familiar faces and meet new folks. Connecting with others, it seems, can be a soothing balm, softening the sometimes-rough edges of everyday life.
In short, BWNA can provide a platform for those seeking community; I know it’s done that for me. Think about reaching out to BWNA or another organization. But do make the effort, because you just might find your people. (See page 13 for writer Chris Rauber’s take.)
Lastly, WOO HOO! We hope you enjoy the color pages in this edition. Costs may limit its use, but if you love it, let me know. Email Editor@BWNApdx.org.
And if you just want to connect? You know how to find me.