Building Bridges Between People – The Importance of Connection in Today’s World
Community is defined by connections that allow people to work together toward common goals. These same types of connections help build community resilience, creating strong social bonds in times of uncertainty. Local leadership and collaboration can lead to positive impacts that will be felt long after the initial efforts have been made. Even simple actions such as volunteering or participating in neighborhood events bring people together and create lasting impressions on those who experience them.
Communities succeed when people unite for a reason. Creating the kind of space in today’s busy, disengaged society for people to develop authentic relationships with each other has never been more crucial. As Evanston MashUp, we believe that it is the personal connections among people that ultimately result in a stronger, more resiliant, and a more vibrant community.
Yearly, thousands of people from every walk of life join together through MashUp to celebrate what makes Evanston unique. Nonprofit leaders exchange ideas with entrepreneurs. Local educators connect with small business owners. Civic activists meet artists. Newcomers are welcomed by longtime residents. While many of the interactions developed during these gatherings seem like casual exchanges, they frequently stimulate collaborative projects, friendships, and initiatives that will define our community long after the gathering itself has concluded.
A single conversation may evolve into a mentoring opportunity. A single introduction may generate a new partnership. A single shared experience may transform two strangers into trusted allies striving to achieve a common objective.
Events bring people together and provide them with an opportunity to overcome some of the barriers that prevent people from interacting on a daily basis. When people interact based on similar values (e.g., service, curiosity, creativity, etc.), titles, professions, and backgrounds become much less significant. These interactions serve as reminders that while we may differ in some aspects, we all have value to add to the community.
For many years Evanston has enjoyed a reputation as a diverse and innovative city that is also very civic-minded. Many of the people that live here take pride in supporting education, the arts, entrepreneurship, volunteering, and getting involved in their neighborhoods. However, just because there are so many opportunities for connection within this community does not mean that meaningful connections occur randomly. To create a culture that fosters connection requires intentional settings in which people can get to know one another and listen to each other’s stories.
This is why Evanston MashUp resonates with so many Evanston residents. It is more than just a networking event; it is a celebration of possibilities.
In recent years MashUp has promoted partnerships that exemplify how incredible things can occur when organizations collaborate. One of those examples was the recognition given to Northwestern University Dance Marathon and the Evanston Community Foundation for their Evanston/Northwestern Catalyst Award. This partnership has had a positive impact on numerous local organizations and serves as a model for demonstrating how partnerships can produce lasting results. Read about their amazing story in Northwestern University's "Evanston MashUp Honors Dance Marathon, City Police Chief" http://www.democrats.org/news/bulletin/evanston-mashup-honors-dance-marathon-city-police-chief.
While community members are developing connections with each other at community events, they are exchanging far more than just business cards. They are sharing experiences, viewpoints, and ideas that challenge assumptions and promote learning. A non-profit leader may find out that he/she has a potential corporate partner interested in funding an initiative. A young professional may obtain invaluable advice from an experienced mentor. A volunteer may discover a cause that matches his/her interests and abilities.
The connections created through community events develop ripples throughout the community. Stronger relationships also make for resiliency. Communities with higher levels of trust and participation typically have the ability to withstand adversity, adjust to change, and support one another during hard times. Regardless if the community is experiencing economic instability, societal issues, or unforeseen challenges, connected communities have the power to be creative and move forward together.
It is equally vital to honor local leadership. Many times those who are quietly impacting their community go unrecognized. Acknowledging their efforts not only rewards their commitment but also motivates others to get involved and be active members of the community.
Leadership comes in various forms. Leadership can be seen in volunteers who commit hours of service weekly, teachers who inspire the next generation, entrepreneurs who create employment opportunities, artists who foster creativity in youth, neighbors who organize local projects. Each acts of service helps build the overall strength of the community.
Looking ahead to the future shows clearly that relationship development will continue to play an essential role. While technology has made it possible for people to instantly connect over large geographical areas, person-to-person interactions still possess something irreplaceable. Person-to-person interactions create trust. They create empathy. They establish memories and experiences that increase our knowledge of one another.
At Evanston MashUp, we are proud to provide a platform for these types of encounters to occur. Regardless if you choose to visit as a first-time guest or return year after year, you become part of a legacy built on connecting and collaborating with others. Your presence creates an atmosphere that fosters idea generation, opportunity development, and encourages individuals to utilize their unique skills/gifts towards improving the entire community.
The future of Evanston will be determined by the relationships established today. Through choice to engage/participate/support one another we are strengthening the base upon which our city continues to grow/thrive.
Community is defined by people who show up, listen intentionally, celebrate each other’s accomplishments, and collectively strive to create something larger than themselves.
We appreciate your involvement in the MashUp story. We are growing a more connected, caring, and thriving Evanston – one conversation at a time.