Our inspiration

tl;dr: We connect neighbors.

We envision The Neighbor Project as being a "third place" [wikipedia]--that is, a place that builds "social capital" in our community, where people from different backgrounds can connect with each other and exchange ideas, experiences, knowledge, skills, resources, and perspectives.

Here are some of our other sources of inspiration...

Places

Ever since the Tully’s at Bridle Trails closed in early October 2012, many neighbors expressed frustration in a lack of comfortable meeting place to hang out with their each other. Furthermore, it’s quite likely that many neighbors never felt comfortable in Tully’s. We aim to create opportunities for all neighbors to feel comfortable engaging in conversation together.

Mosaic Coffeehouse (Wallingford neighborhood, Seattle, WA)
Street Bean Espresso (Belltown neighborhood, Seattle, WA)
Q Cafe (Interbay neighborhood, Seattle, WA)
Crossroads Mall (Bellevue, WA)
Third Place Books (Lake Forest Park, WA and Ravenna neighborhood, Seattle, WA)
"Every Thing Goes" Book Cafe (Staten Island, NY)

People

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., especially his concept of a Beloved Community.
Fred Rogers

News

Books

The Abundant Community promotes “Asset-Based Community Development” which focuses on the connecting the gifts of those within the community by extending hospitality.
The Great Neighborhood Book provides dozens of ideas for improving neighborhoods.
The Great Good Place
Books by Robert D. Putnam, most well known for Bowling Alone.

Organizations

One World/"Everybody Eats" Foundation, oneworldeverybodyeatsfoundation.org
Project for Public Spaces, pps.org
Asset-Based Community Development Institute, abcdinstitute.org

Our founder

Rodney Rutherford created The Neighbor Project in December 2012, sensing a need to create a space for our neighbors to connect. There is a certain irony in this endeavor in that Rodney is (a) an introvert and (b) doesn't drink (much) coffee. He regularly hosts on Friday mornings, 7-9am.