NeighborCircles
“Good Food, Good Conversation and Good Connection”
NeighborCircles is the principle organizing strategy of Lawrence CommunityWorks.
If we are honest with ourselves we will admit that most of us don't know our neighbors and they don't know us. We are too busy, too shy, or too intimidated to make connections and build relationships with people on our street or on our block. The fact is, in this day and age, getting to know neighbors can be hard and a bit scary.
In our view, the costs of this neighbor to neighbor disconnection are enormous. Behind poor communication lurk distrust, bigotry, and countless lost opportunities to improve our lives and our communities. Some believe that the days of neighbors knowing each other and looking after each other’s children are over. At LCW, we think that we all just need more practice and a safer environment to get it started. NeighborCircles is one way of starting up the long-interrupted, neighbor-to-neighbor conversation once again.
How does it work?
Under the leadership of a resident “host” and trained facilitator, 8-10 families come together 3 times over the course of a month for dinner and conversation. They get to know each other, talk about the neighborhood or the city, and decide as group if there is something that they can do together to help build community in Lawrence.
What next?
A NeighborCircles can continue to meet regularly after the third meeting to address neighborhood issues or organize activities to bring neighbors together and build community.
NeighborCircles have led to projects and collective action on specific issues. Some Circles have worked together on ally and playground cleanups, improving street lighting, safety and parking, and organizing block parties.
How can I start a NeighborCircles?
For more information and an orientation on how to start a NeighborCircles please contact:
Nelson Butten
Director of Community Action and Mobilization
Our House @ Hennigan Center
55 East Haverhill St.
Lawrence, MA 01841
Or
Our House
168 Newbury St.
Lawrence, MA 01841
Direct Line: 978-722-2611 or email at