ON ISLAND
Join Network of Neighbors
Give and Get Until You Feel Good
By Anne McCarthy Strauss
For centuries, Island residents have been known for their kindness to their neighbors. But in an increasingly isolated society, it’s no longer easy to know who is in need and how their needs can be met.
The modern answer to an age old problem rests in the website Network of Neighbors. The newly developing online community’s goal is to rekindle the altruistic traditions of our Island ancestors with neighborly acts of kindness in today’s world.
Using Network of Neighbors, Jane Doe posted a need for infant clothing. Her request was granted when a donor responded with the “AOK” for infant clothing and supplies that her grandchildren had outgrown. The grandmother in turn posted a request for firewood to help heat her home during the coming Vineyard winter. Soon after, another AOK was posted by a man with firewood to spare.
The website is the brainchild of veteran television executive Squire Rushnell and his wife Louise DuArt, one of the world’s top comedic impressionists. The preliminary site was launched in June 2011. A sold out performance by renowned comic Tim Conway on July 30th introduced Network of Neighbors to the community. Hundreds of attendees rushed to sign up. A website complete with all the bells and whistles went live on August 15th.
“The website will feel like the Match Game – people will respond to acts of kindness – AOKs,” explained DuArt. “An administrator will monitor needs and connect them with AOKs. We also plan to introduce a rating system similar to that used on Angie’s List.”
The 501c3 organization will be maintained with corporate sponsorships, individual donations and volunteers. “Our focus is on providing for the needs of our 15,000 year-round residents,” Rushnell said. “The Vineyard’s annual population is comprised of many people in need whose needs are not met by traditional agencies as well as by residents whose means are matched only by their spirit of generosity. Our website will make it simple for individuals in these groups to find each other.”
Those who prefer not to reveal their identities can use a screen name. Elderly residents who don’t own computers are encouraged to ask a friendly neighbor to go on line for them. The Edgartown Council on Aging (The Anchors) and local libraries have also pledged to help seniors get online. Local print media will feature stories of acts of kindness, and broadcast media are expected to provide ongoing programming of events throughout the year.
“The Vineyard is home to people of widely varying means,” said Rushnell. “Many of our neighbors are in need, while other generous residents are eager to give. Network of Neighbors gives the two groups an online means of reaching out to one another.”
Network of Neighbors.com will seek affiliations with Island churches, synagogues and other community organizations such as the YMCA, Council for Aging, MV Community Services, the hospital and libraries. The Network’s LemonAid BrigAid is a small army of Island youth who will promote Network of Neighbors.com with lemonade stands.
Registrants can contribute money, transportation, home services, meals, clothing items and infant items. Everyone – those in need and those able to provide – is invited to log on and register at www.networkofneighbors.com.
The modern answer to an age old problem rests in the website Network of Neighbors. The newly developing online community’s goal is to rekindle the altruistic traditions of our Island ancestors with neighborly acts of kindness in today’s world.
Using Network of Neighbors, Jane Doe posted a need for infant clothing. Her request was granted when a donor responded with the “AOK” for infant clothing and supplies that her grandchildren had outgrown. The grandmother in turn posted a request for firewood to help heat her home during the coming Vineyard winter. Soon after, another AOK was posted by a man with firewood to spare.
The website is the brainchild of veteran television executive Squire Rushnell and his wife Louise DuArt, one of the world’s top comedic impressionists. The preliminary site was launched in June 2011. A sold out performance by renowned comic Tim Conway on July 30th introduced Network of Neighbors to the community. Hundreds of attendees rushed to sign up. A website complete with all the bells and whistles went live on August 15th.
“The website will feel like the Match Game – people will respond to acts of kindness – AOKs,” explained DuArt. “An administrator will monitor needs and connect them with AOKs. We also plan to introduce a rating system similar to that used on Angie’s List.”
The 501c3 organization will be maintained with corporate sponsorships, individual donations and volunteers. “Our focus is on providing for the needs of our 15,000 year-round residents,” Rushnell said. “The Vineyard’s annual population is comprised of many people in need whose needs are not met by traditional agencies as well as by residents whose means are matched only by their spirit of generosity. Our website will make it simple for individuals in these groups to find each other.”
Those who prefer not to reveal their identities can use a screen name. Elderly residents who don’t own computers are encouraged to ask a friendly neighbor to go on line for them. The Edgartown Council on Aging (The Anchors) and local libraries have also pledged to help seniors get online. Local print media will feature stories of acts of kindness, and broadcast media are expected to provide ongoing programming of events throughout the year.
“The Vineyard is home to people of widely varying means,” said Rushnell. “Many of our neighbors are in need, while other generous residents are eager to give. Network of Neighbors gives the two groups an online means of reaching out to one another.”
Network of Neighbors.com will seek affiliations with Island churches, synagogues and other community organizations such as the YMCA, Council for Aging, MV Community Services, the hospital and libraries. The Network’s LemonAid BrigAid is a small army of Island youth who will promote Network of Neighbors.com with lemonade stands.
Registrants can contribute money, transportation, home services, meals, clothing items and infant items. Everyone – those in need and those able to provide – is invited to log on and register at www.networkofneighbors.com.