In Praise of the Barn Raisers: Community Heroes Who Are Stepping Up
In the past, communities worked because people needed each other to survive. When we stopped needing each other (or at least believing we didn’t), we lost touch with our neighbors. Now we’re back to needing each other again and we’re reconnecting in amazing ways. As the crisis narrows our scope, localism is flourishing.
It reminds me of the old-fashioned barn raising. People helped each other knowing that they, in turn, would also need help some day. What I see happening now, all around me, is the 2020 equivalent of that kind of cooperation. Organizations, groups and individuals are stepping up everywhere to help those around them get through the pandemic. They are the modern-day barn raisers and I’m grateful to see so many of them rising to the challenge.
I’m grateful, but not surprised. Over the past few years I have worked closely with cities, towns and communities of all shapes and sizes, all over America, who’ve been seeking to revitalize. I’ve seen firsthand how innovative, resourceful, cooperative and caring people can be. I’ve seen people come together with great generosity to help others. And I’ve found that even communities that face great challenges often exhibit a wonderful spirit of positivity and optimism.
These qualities serve us well right now. Here are just a few of the “barn raisers” I am seeing as I continue to stay in touch (virtually) with the communities I serve:
1. Healthcare organizations
Everywhere, doctors, nurses, and other professionals are risking their own wellbeing (and in some cases their lives) to save the lives of others. These people are true heroes. Also, I am seeing a huge return to mission in the healthcare industry—individuals and organizations are reconnecting to the meaning and purpose behind what they do every day.
2. Essential workers of all types
These individuals keep society running. It is their day-to-day work that allows us to get the food and other crucial supplies we need to live. We owe them a debt of gratitude.
3. Employees working at home
People in every industry are adjusting to new ways of working. They’re getting out of their comfort zones, buckling down, and giving it their all to keep their company alive.
4. Schools
Our educational leaders are finding creative ways to get supplies (and even food) to our communities’ children. Teachers, too, are really stepping up to help students adapt to new ways of learning. We’re so grateful to all of them for keeping our young people on track during these tough times.
5. Local governments
Our city, town, and community leaders are doing a great job of distributing vital information and overseeing the services that keep people as safe as possible.
6. Business leaders reaching out to other leaders
This includes individual leaders as well as organizations like chambers of commerce. In Janesville, Wisconsin, Forward Janesville is joining local Economic Development partners to offer Zoom coaching sessions to area businesses. In Pensacola, Florida, The Spring Entrepreneur Hub is working with other organizations to hold a webinar to help local businesses navigate CARES Act relief services.
7. Companies repurposing to fight the virus
For example, in Janesville, packaging company Prent and plastics manufacturer Goex worked together to quickly develop and produce face shields for healthcare professionals and first responders. These sister companies are just two of many private sector businesses who are finding helpful solutions.
8. Spiritual leaders
As many churches have closed, ministers have started broadcasting worship services from home. This virtual fellowship is so important to helping people get through this time of crisis.
9. Citizens
Finally, everywhere we look, neighbors are helping neighbors. People are shopping for groceries for at-risk individuals and families. And many have found creative ways to help people keep their spirits up—from putting up Christmas lights to placing teddy bears in windows on porches so families driving or walking buy can take part in a “bear hunt.”
Yes, times are hard and no one knows how long this crisis will last. However, there is a silver lining. What we’re going through is forcing us to reconnect and get back to the things that matter. Once we finally emerge from our homes, my hope is that we’ll be better, stronger, more grateful, and more connected to the communities that helped us through.
Top image via Wikimedia Commons.
About the Author
Quint Studer is author of Building a Vibrant Community: How Citizen-Powered Change Is Reshaping America and Wall Street Journal bestseller The Busy Leader’s Handbook: How to Lead People and Places That Thrive. He is founder of Pensacola’s Studer Community Institute, a nonprofit organization focused on improving the community’s quality of life, and Vibrant Community Partners, which coaches communities in building out a blueprint for achieving growth and excellence. Quint speaks and works with communities across the country, helping them execute on their strategic plans, create a better quality of life, and attract and retain talent and investment. He is a businessman, a visionary, an entrepreneur, and a mentor to many. He currently serves as Entrepreneur-in-Residence at the University of West Florida, Executive-in-Residence at George Washington University, and Lecturer at Cornell University.
For more information, please visit www.thebusyleadershandbook.com, www.vibrantcommunityblueprint.com, and www.studeri.org.