Community connectors
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Community Connectors is a model of organizing and building community resilience through GREAT.

GREAT started Community Connectors in early 2020 after the idea was generated during an On the Table Philly conversation. In that conversation, neighbors were discussing ways to address gentrification, and specifically how community members could work against it. The Community Connectors idea emerged as a way to organize, share resources, help each other be in the know, and build stronger communities. The idea was focused on the block-level, your very near neighbors.

GREAT ran a pilot project for Community Connectors in 2020 and 2021. There were meetings about every month, each focused on a particular topic. Often, a member of the group was the presenter, and sometimes we invited guest speakers. During the meeting, the Community Connectors would discuss the theme and how it connected to their block, how they could bring the information or ideas to their neighbors.

Fast forward to 2024, we are piloting a new version of Community Connectors. In this iteration, there is one theme which the Community Connectors are focused on, and there is a start and end time for the project. Each Community Connector is working with their neighbors to develop and implement tangible activities or projects, which will complete by October 2024. The theme is Water Resilience, and this project is supported by a grant from the Philadelphia Office of Sustainability. The Community Connectors meet with each other monthly to share updates about their work, challenges/ requests for support, and next steps. They receive a monthly stipend for their participation. GREAT leaders support with facilitation and whatever else is needed.

Anyone can be a leader or play a supportive role to neighbors on their block... this project offers a support network for such people to share ideas, motivate, and problem-solve with each other. It builds relationships at the hyperlocal level. We believe this is a great place to organize.

Our Emergency Preparedness Committee is currently exploring the potential for growing the Community Connectors project. If you are interested in learning more when the information becomes available, please email greatgtown@gmail.com!