Becoming Neighbors
At a time of deep division and social isolation in our nation, we offer a pathway forward for us to restore parts of our humanity and connection that have been lost along the way.
We recognize at our core is a human story that both compliments and transcends our political, cultural, and religious differences. Our Becoming Neighbors programs help people build bridges of understanding, trust, and cooperation across lines of difference - in communities, congregations, and workplaces - for the common good of all.
After all, it isn't the proximity of our homes, but the depth of our relationships that makes us neighbors.
Becoming Neighbors eVENTS
We hold quarterly Becoming Neighbors events with our partners in Northern Illinois and Western North Carolina that bring people of different cultures, faiths, and political affiliations together for an evening of meaningful, facilitated conversations around issues that matter - discovering shared values and putting those values into action to better the local community.
These gatherings include a diverse panel of speakers, food, music, small group conversations, and community service that help strangers become neighbors.
Over the years we've learned what it takes to create a truly impactful event, so we've begun providing consultation, resources, and facilitation for other groups and communities interested in creating their own Becoming Neighbors events!
Please contact Executive Director, David Fraccaro to learn more!
Our Becoming Neighbors work was recently featured in an episode of Area Code: Batavia podcast. Be sure to listen here.
Becoming Neighbors Congregations
Recognizing our long history working closely with diverse faith communities, we've launched a new Becoming Neighbors Congregations initiative, which expands upon our singular events and builds transformative relationships between congregations of different beliefs, cultures, and races. These year-long, intentional partnerships follow four steps - meaningful conversation, fun exchange, faith at work, and telling the story.
We provide a small toolkit, seed grants, and connections to other participating Becoming Neighbors congregations across the country. We will also help tell the story of how your unique partnership expanded neighborliness, and created some good in your local community at a time when it's really needed.
We are currently recruiting Becoming Neighbors congregations for 2025, so contact Executive Director, David Fraccaro if you are interested in learning more!
We also encourage you to attend one of our upcoming Becoming Neighbors zoom gatherings to learn more about how you can bring Becoming Neighbors programs to your community - register here to join!
- Claudia Kabanyana, Becoming Neighbors Program Facilitator