community building resources

December 14, 2005 8:31 AM

I'm looking for web sites, books, ideas, thoughts on local resources for creating and building awesome community here locally in Columbus, Ohio.

One challenge is that I'm not looking specifically to build community around any one specific thing (e.g biking, organic farming, etc) - rather, I would like to put together a loosely associated group of intellectuals with a core group who get together, talk about politics or local affairs or ideas, and then go out into the community and really put good ideas to work to change the immediate world we live in for the better. Personally I am an agnostic liberal, but I don't want to limit myself to only like-minded people. Smart people with diverse ideas who can work together to create community- that's what I am looking for. (Though I do have an agenda with certain things like making our community more accesible for walkers/bikers and such). Any thoughts?

posted by pissfactory to Human Relations (6 answers total)

Check out Elmwoodstrip.org. It does what you're talking about, but for the Buffalo, NY area. The guy who runs the site (Paul) is very approachable. I would talk to him.

I don't know what's up with the awful yellow color scheme though :)
posted by voidcontext at 8:42 AM on December 14, 2005

Northfield.org has been doing this for a few years now. We've got the site, an active moderated email list (Northfield ISSUES) which has the mayor, several city councilmen, police cheif, state rep and more, a large volunteer organization.

You're welcome to visit and talk to us about it. We love to help others get started...
posted by unixrat at 9:03 AM on December 14, 2005

I'll be in and around Columbus from the 22nd to the morning of the 27th. Community building is a strong interest of mine, so maybe we could do a meetup? email is in my profile. The 22nd would be the best evening. good question.
posted by theora55 at 10:18 AM on December 14, 2005

You could do some recruiting at existing meetups with memberships that might be open to your ideas. Two I've been meaning to get to, but haven't yet are Drinking Liberally, which meets at Barleys on High St. once a month, and DFA Central Ohio, which seems very active.

You could also post notices at places like the Clintonville Community Market or on-line in places like Craig's List.

I'd be personally interested as well, although I don't get out much these days (sniff, sniff, sob). E-mail is in profile, feel free to contact.
posted by Otis at 11:21 AM on December 14, 2005

Response by poster: The Community Market is a good suggestion (as are the others), but I mention that one because I used to edit their newsletter (and I made that website, by the way). Thanks for the info and I will contact each of you.
posted by pissfactory at 1:00 PM on December 14, 2005

I, too, get bored in Columbus.
posted by fidelity at 1:52 PM on December 15, 2005