MAKE AN IMPACT

You can be part of building a thriving, multicultural Silver Spring! Come together with IMPACT and your neighbors to make our vision a reality.

• Join the Network: Become a member of a diverse and growing network of individuals who share a common vision and set of values.


• Use the Network: Don’t be shy – make good use of new connections, and remember that a thriving network involves all members giving and receiving.


• Build the Network: Make a regular investment of money or time to build the kind of community you want to see.

• Meet your neighbors: Do you walk down the street without making eye contact with anyone? Have you ever taken the time to knock on your neighbor’s door? What would your neighborhood look and feel like if you began taking steps to really know people?


• Share stories: How many surface-level conversations have you had with people you see regularly? How much stronger could your relationships be if you took some time to hear someone else’s story? If you shared your own story? What is your story?


• Listen: Have you felt that people aren’t hearing your voice and the unique perspective you offer? Have you found yourself doing the same thing to others, jumping to conclusions? What are the few questions you could ask to help another person feel acknowledged?


• Notice who’s in the room: Are the right people involved in your community projects? What more could you do to bring new people in? Are there structural reasons why certain people may not be present?


• Notice power dynamics: When do you feel the strongest? the weakest? How does your power or lack of it affect people around you? How can you nurture and support the people in your life – family, employees, etc. – to express confidence and live to their full potential?


• Take risks: Are there things you’ve always wanted to try but never committed to do before? Are there people around you who could be resources for you, or who could support you in taking risks? Could a small step make a big difference to someone else or to an organization or group you’re involved with?


• Appreciate: Do you notice a lot of negativity or cynicism around you? What would your home, workplace, school, neighborhood, or groups be like if you and others expressed your appreciation more, even about small things?


• Support: Have you ever felt so supported that you felt anything was possible? What would it take to extend that feeling of support to others in your community?


• Celebrate: Have you felt the excitement of a job well done? The thrill of being in a supportive community? What ways could you infuse celebration into your daily life?