The Cupertino Courier

Letters & Opinions

Speak Out

Neighbors have power to create community

As a block leader for my street in our Garden Gate neighborhood, I was excited to be invited to a special event hosted by the city of Cupertino. It was a block leader recognition dinner and a community-builder speaker series that presented Dr. John McKnight, author and professor of education and social policy at Northwestern University.

McKnight spoke of the building blocks of a community and shared success stories from communities all over the nation. I think the most powerful message that he gave to us that evening was to take the responsibility to initiate connections within our communities. Many of us grew up with close-knit neighborhoods and the urge to check in on older neighbors, meet the new kids down the street or even organize a block party. Some residents are attracted to the neighborhood feel that other neighbors have created, but perhaps they're not sure how to join in.

McKnight gave an empowering presentation about how critical it is to make a connection in our communities. It starts with a simple greeting of hello. We must always begin with the assumption that we have the power to make the changes for the better in our immediate community. What a great message for us all. Thank you.

Jessica Rose

Ann Arbor Avenue