Disruptive Neighbours
In a world where division seems to be amplified at every turn, the concept of neighborliness takes on revolutionary significance. This was the focus of our recent podcast episode "Dam Good Neighbours," where we explored what true community resilience looks like in today's challenging landscape.
The conversation began with Jesus' parable of the Good Samaritan – not as a feel-good story about random kindness, but as a radical disruption of social boundaries. When Jesus was asked "who is my neighbor?", he didn’t provide a neat definition, but challenged his listeners to become neighbours through action, relationship, and solidarity. This framing set the tone for our panel discussion about what it means to extend our definition of "our own" beyond comfortable boundaries.
Our diverse panel represented different sectors working toward community resilience: labor advocacy, youth development, civic leadership, and multicultural community support. Each brought unique perspectives on how crises like Calgary's 2013 floods and the COVID-19 pandemic revealed inequities in our communities. As Jun from Action Dignity poignantly described, we are all in the same storm, but some of us are in boats that can hardly float.
Laura Istead from Two Wheel View shared how their bicycle programs provide much more than transportation for youth—they create spaces where young people develop confidence, resilience, and relationships across differences. When youth discover capabilities they didn't know they had, whether fixing a derailleur or applying for scholarships, they begin to see possibilities beyond their current circumstances. This approach recognizes that community resilience starts with individual relationship-building.
Housing emerged as a critical issue throughout our conversation. Brian Thiessen highlighted Helsinki's successful Housing First model, which demonstrates that providing stable housing not only addresses homelessness but actually saves money in healthcare and social service costs. The panel discussed how housing insecurity intersects with other barriers like credential recognition for immigrants, who often earned entry to Canada based on qualifications that aren't recognized once they arrive.
Ricardo De Menezes brought a powerful perspective on how chosen family becomes essential for many in the LGBTQ2S+ community who face rejection from biological families. He challenged us to recognize everyone with just a beating heart – worthy of inclusion in our definition of neighbour. This expanded understanding of family and community creates resilience where traditional structures have failed.
The conversation touched on how social media algorithms create echo chambers that reinforce division rather than fostering understanding across differences. Our panelists emphasized the importance of seeking diverse voices and perspectives, especially from those most impacted by societal problems, who are often best positioned to offer solutions.
As we closed, we reflected on the hopeful collaborations emerging across unlikely partners—former addicts working alongside healthcare providers and police officers, community organizations building coalitions across traditional boundaries, and individuals choosing to expand their circles of concern. These collaborations aren't just nice to have; they're essential for addressing our most pressing challenges.
The podcast reminded us that being a "dam good neighbour" isn't passive—it requires intentional action, crossing barriers, showing up imperfectly but consistently, and committing to relationships for the long haul. It's about expanding our definition of "our own" until no one is left behind. In a world that seems increasingly fractured, this kind of neighbourliness becomes not just a personal virtue, but a revolutionary act of community resilience.