BUILD STUFF . . .

that matters.

This time of year, in particular, we are acutely aware of the amount of 'stuff' around. This can be both physical and emotional baggage that we carry with us - and it can be exhausting.

A few weeks ago, in the wake of the presidential election, we wrote some newsletters that touched on politics in both subtle and overt ways. In an effort to embrace the fundamentals that connect all of us as human beings, we often shy away from politics because of its divisive nature, its tendency to separate folks into categories. Although we addressed the election in a way that highlighted our individual beliefs, our goal was to use that as further proof that what we have in common is often what matters most. 

Perhaps not surprisingly, we hit a collective nerve. Many people expressed frustration, anger and disappointment. From what we've observed over the last six weeks, the majority of folks out there, no matter what their beliefs or voting histories, are feeling defensive.

While we understand the need for fighting (the good kind, of course - i.e. arguing, debating, and/or standing up for what you believe in), we - above all - value forward momentum. After all, what is the point of fighting if it's not in an effort to build stuff that matters - bridges both literal and figurative?

Right now there is a need for stronger and more supportive community. While there are many ways to identify how we are divisive at this juncture, we're eager to talk about issues that are bringing communities together, and how people are supporting their fellow humans and the earth.

We want to thank everyone who has written in recently, including Maggie, who is building community through gleaning and sharing produce. She hopes to one day create a more community oriented soup kitchen, where neighbors feed neighbors and everyone can feel nourished and encouraged. And Elyse, who is training to become a doula in hopes of creating support for families in the process of ushering humans into the physical world.

In the spirit of these positive fights, these actions for the collective well-being, we leave you with one of our favorite messages during this season of giving:

HOW TO BUILD COMMUNITY
turn off your TV
greet people
look up when you're walking
leave your house
sit on your stoop
plant flowers
ask for help when you need it
talk to the mail carrier
use your library
play together
buy from local merchants
put up a swing
know your neighbors
organize a block party
pick up litter
honor elders
turn up the music
listen before you react to anger
turn down the music
read stories aloud
have pot lucks
garden together
hire young people for odd jobs
share your skills
help carry something heavy
bake extra and share
help a lost dog
take children to the park
sing together
dance in the street
fix it even if you didn't break it
seek to understand
share what you have
start a tradition
ask a question
listen to the birds
open your shades
barter for your goods
mediate a conflict
seek to understand
learn from new and uncomfortable angles
know that no one is silent though many are not heard - work to change this

In celebration,

Taylor & Dorothy
Co-Founders, Good Food Jobs

PS if you are nodding your head in agreement to the feelings above you might want to check out our GFJ Holiday Refresh for weekly reminders on why and how it's worthwhile to re-capture the spirit of the holidays.