Community Building Strategies

Community Building Strategies.  That's the name of the non-profit I am starting.  Let's start with the following preface: the picture below features a lot that has been purchased and construction is about to begin.  This is in the heart of Brooklyn which is composed of a diverse population, skills, and cultures. 

Imagine you are now sitting in a room with people from your community, all representing this diversity.  The following question is asked: What do you want your community to look like? You have two options.  

The first is modeled after your community where each person or group of people is encouraged to start a business that brings wealth and maintains diversity to the community.  Looking at the picture below you can see which one doesn't fit with the others.  (As a side note, like many chains, the possibility of individual ownership could be molded in to the question but for the sake of simplicity, let's continue the hypo).     

The second option is the corporate mall model.  These two store fronts are currently within .25 miles of each other.  Considering the open space, which would you prefer?    

We would then go into the details of each choice.  Consider for example that Circuit City, pictured above, will be sending its profits to its headquarters, not in Brooklyn, and will be employing community members at minimum wage.  On the other hand, small businesses are hard to manage and maintain.  

That is where we come in.  CBS does not believe that corporate identities are good for the community.  They don't reflect the diversity spoken of before and they don't allow community members to make livable wages.  At the end of the cycle are people being forced out as property values skyrocket (until the bubble bursts and Circuit City takes off for a new money making opportunity) and communities start from scratch.  

CBS will help assist those who want to build their community using a model focused on business growth, artistic development, and health awareness.  As I walked through Brooklyn, I think I know which most residents prefer.  It's time to get back to some good old fashioned values and build our economy from the community up.  More details to come as the plan develops.