We're not networking,
we're neighboring

We all show up exactly as we are, just real people. We are not polished to perfection to meet some institutionalized front. We recognize that being authentic means that what we have to offer may vary from day to day. We honor the place that each of us are in, and we allow for growth, healing, and genuine relationship building within our communities. This means having honest, vulnerable conversations, admitting what we don't know, and building deep,meaningful relationships. We do this because we care, not because it is strategic. It's the difference between neighboring and networking.

We lead with compassion and practice empathy. We acknowledge that we cannot possibly know all of the ways that the world has shaped each of us. We trust that by meeting others where they are, and prioritizing all of our neighbors' well-being, we can create spaces where all of our neighbors are cared for. We listen first and respect and honor what our neighbors share with us.

Every neighbor has a place at our table and we strive to include the voices of all community members regardless of race, gender, income, ability or any other label that society puts upon us. Here, we are all neighbors and we are all welcome.

No single person carries the weight of this work alone. Our Connector Strategy model only works when each part trusts and coordinates with the others. Teamwork isn't something that we encourage, it is the very structure of The Neighborhood Collective.