9/11 result: community arose from the ashes

While the Eagle wept, community building rose from the ashes

You no doubt remember where you were when you heard about the planes flying into the World Trade Center. You probably remember how you felt as you watched the entire story unfold before your eyes. Now on the tenth anniversary there are many opportunities to reflect and help build a stronger community.

I'm reminded of more than the tragedies on that fateful day. I'm reminded of how acts and feelings of community rose up across the country. People, even here in our community, talked more to each other. They were expressing more concern for each other, helping each other.

The following story came in an email the other day and it showed how determination can make community grow. Community building is part of Our Urban Times' mission as we seek to inform and connect people on Chicago's near northwest side. We hope this will stimulate you to get more involved with our community.

"I was living a couple miles from the Twin Towers, and I was the kind of person who thought local community doesn't matter much if we've got the internet and TV. The only time I thought about my neighbors was when I hoped they wouldn't bother me," writes Scott Heiferman. Heiferman is the co-founder and CEO of Meetup, an online connections site.

"When the towers fell, I found myself talking to more neighbors in the days after 9/11 than ever before. People said hello to neighbors (next-door and across the city) who they'd normally ignore. People were looking after each other, helping each other, and meeting up with each other. You know, being neighborly.

"A lot of people were thinking that maybe 9/11 could bring people together in a lasting way. So the idea for Meetup was born: Could we use the internet to get off the internet -- and grow local communities?

"We didn't know if it would work. Most people thought it was a crazy idea -- especially because terrorism is designed to make people distrust one another.

"A small team came together, and we launched Meetup 9 months after 9/11. Today, almost 10 years and 10 million Meetuppers later, it's working. Every day, thousands of Meetups happen. Moms Meetups, Small Business Meetups, Fitness Meetups... a wild variety of 100,000 Meetup Groups with not much in common -- except one thing.

"Every Meetup starts with people simply saying hello to neighbors. And what often happens next is still amazing to me. They grow businesses and band together, they teach and motivate each other, they babysit each other's kids and find other ways to work together. They have fun and find solace together. They make friends and form powerful community. It's powerful stuff.

"It's a wonderful revolution in local community, and it's thanks to everyone who shows up. Meetups aren't about 9/11, but they may not be happening if it weren't for 9/11.

"9/11 didn't make us too scared to go outside or talk to strangers. 9/11 didn't rip us apart. No, we're building new community together!!!!

"The towers fell, but we rise up."

If you would like us to start a Meetup, let us know what topic you'd like to address. If you start one, let us know and we'll help.

Let 9/11 be an inspiration of the resilience of Americans and how building community is ecologically, economically and local and it can make you feel good!

Photo by jackiestiles.com