The New Society Institute is a non-profit research, social development, and design organization that supports systemically marginalized people and communities to create systems and structures that work for them. The New Society Institute was formerly known as IRIS, which is Institute for Research and Development on Inclusion and Society.
What are some examples of collaboration in community building? Copilot provided the following examples.
The High Line in New York City: This project transformed an abandoned elevated railway track into a vibrant public park. Local residents formed a non-profit organization, Friends of the High Line, to save and repurpose the space. Through community engagement efforts like fundraising events, public forums, and volunteer opportunities, they garnered widespread support. Today, the High Line is a popular urban park that has revitalized the surrounding neighborhood.
The Greening of Detroit Initiative: In response to economic decline and environmental challenges, this initiative brought together residents and organizations to create green spaces, community gardens, and urban farms. Activities like tree plantings, neighborhood clean-ups, and gardening workshops turned vacant lots into thriving community hubs. These efforts improved air quality, reduced crime, and increased property values.
Detroit’s Urban Farming Movement: In Detroit, community members and organizations came together to transform vacant lots into urban farms and gardens. This initiative not only provided fresh produce to local residents but also fostered a sense of community, improved food security, and revitalized neighborhoods.
The Jane Addams Hull-House: Founded in Chicago in the late 19th century, this settlement house became a hub for community collaboration. It offered educational programs, cultural activities, and social services, bringing together diverse groups to address local challenges and promote social reform.
The Harlem Children’s Zone: This initiative in New York City focuses on breaking the cycle of poverty through education and community support. By collaborating with schools, families, and local organizations, it provides comprehensive services like early childhood programs, after-school activities, and health care.
The Regent Park Revitalization Project (Toronto, Ontario): This initiative transformed one of Canada’s oldest and largest social housing developments into a mixed-income, mixed-use neighborhood. The project involved extensive collaboration between residents, community organizations, and government agencies to ensure that the redevelopment met the needs of the community while fostering inclusivity and diversity.
The Vancouver Downtown Eastside Community Economic Development Strategy (Vancouver, British Columbia): This strategy brought together local businesses, non-profits, and residents to address economic challenges in the Downtown Eastside. By focusing on social enterprises and community-driven initiatives, the project created job opportunities and supported local economic growth.
The Nunavut Food Security Coalition (Nunavut): This coalition was formed to address food insecurity in Nunavut, where access to affordable and nutritious food is a significant challenge. The collaboration between government agencies, Inuit organizations, and community groups has led to initiatives like community freezers, gardening programs, and food education workshops.
These examples showcase the power of collaboration in addressing social, economic, and cultural challenges.