When I came to FCS, the team had already done an amazing job of being intentional neighbors. I found myself not having to do any trailblazing, just watching and learning. I soaked up all I could of the programs and how I could invest in them to ensure they worked towards FCS’ broader vision. Over the years, the threads we have been weaving have multiplied. Our Neighborhood Engagement team has grown. Our relationships have deepened and diversified. And of course, the world has changed quite a bit. Atlanta has changed quite a bit.
These changes make the foundational work of slowing down and staying connected to neighbors more important than ever. Change is going to come. But by staying connected, we can work with neighbors and partners to make sure that change comes in a healthy way. That neighbors can speak into it. That those changes prioritize the flourishing of neighbors, too.
Why is Neighborhood Engagement Critical?
FCS has its own gravitational pull. It attracts resources, but that gravitational pull also can center us in a way that can obscure the voices, desires, and insights of neighbors. Neighborhood engagement ensures that FCS can bring people and resources alongside residents’ leadership and vision in a healthy, mutual way.
In our model, we become relational brokers between people who want to bring change or resources to South Atlanta and nearby neighborhoods and the neighbors who live there. We don’t want to make the decision. Instead, we see ourselves as the connective tissue that listens well to our neighbors, follows our neighbors lead, and when possible connects:
•Neighbors in South Atlanta with fellow neighbors and partners who are leading the transformation they all want to see.
•Resources and relationships with opportunities to support neighbors’ dreams and goals.
•Neighbors with opportunities to speak into the plans that others have for their community.
Serving as this connection point and being able to keep neighbors’ voice and vision at the center is an essential piece of making sure that places can develop in a healthy, equitable way. To make those connections, FCS fosters relationships of trust with both external partners and people rooted in South Atlanta and nearby neighborhoods. FCS doesn’t want to be a voice in power. We would rather be a conduit. Our job is to make sure the veins in the body are clear to allow the nutrients to get where they need to go…not to dictate or control the entire process.
How Do We Do Neighborhood Engagement?
Simply – we linger. Yes, the Neighborhood Engagement team runs programs and collaborates with partners on events and opportunities. That’s true. But those pieces are meant to a greater end: weaving our lives together so we work together to ensure neighborhoods are full of opportunity, access, and belonging.
Proximity is key. For years, I’ve been showing up to neighborhood meetings, frequenting local businesses, participating in community partner initiatives and meeting with neighbors one-on-one to hear about their preferred future. It’s this approach that we’ve found to be most effective.
As we deepen these relationships, we’ll see where there are blockages in the flow of resources. Here’s where programs come in: to remove these blockages and allow positive change to happen. Bike Club, Treat Street, food co-ops, and the Christmas Toy Store— these all grew out of neighbors’ vision for either resources or a deeper connection to their community. And since neighbors came up with the vision, we want to make sure we follow as neighbors lead those initiatives.
How Can You Contribute to Future Impact?
We welcome you into this joyful, long work of partnering with neighbors. Here are a few ways you can join in:
•Volunteer with us. As the team has grown, so have our opportunities to embed yourself among neighbors. You can explore opportunities by clicking here.
•Donate funds. When it comes to building relationships, it takes time. Your gifts ensure that the FCS team can slow down and really connect and listen to neighbors.
•Donate goods. We know food and fun are two great ways to bring people together, and a number of people have donated tickets to outings for Youth Group, sponsored meals, or lent their connections to fantastic opportunities. Got something in mind? Let us know.
•Pray for us and encourage us. This is long, hard work, and we can’t do it alone. Your prayers and encouragement really do keep us going.
I am so grateful for the many hands that come together to promote flourishing for our neighbors. I’ve seen so many leaders in this neighborhood draw their influence not from pizazz or accomplishments, but by their consistent presence in the community.
“At the end of the day, I’m a community activist. I saw an opportunity to create big smiles on everyone’s faces, and I had to jump in,” Ms. Betty said of her involvement with Pride for Parents. She had the heart and drive to see her community flourish. FCS just got to set the space and invite her to lead it.
