How uplifting conversations are leading to an uplifting community in Mernda

MERNDA, VIC – The pocket of Mernda in the northeast of Melbourne has been learning how uplifting conversations with neighbours and friends can lead to a deeper understanding of the needs of a locality and – in turn – transform the spiritual, social and material fabric of the community.

Conversations initially related to the importance of the moral and spiritual education of children, and the role that each family plays in contributing to a vibrant and prosperous community where everyone felt a degree of agency.

Over time, this conversation led to a deeper understanding of the local reality – a realisation that many individuals lack connection with one another, that feelings of isolation are rife, and that many are unsure what the next step is in their own lives.

“The friends that were having these conversations realised very quickly that not all those who reside on their street know each other,” the Mernda team reflects. “And so a street festival was organised, with all 52 households being invited as a means to build this friendship.”

Organically, this longing for connection and friendship led to extending uplifting conversations to the widest possible circle of friends. Conversations were carried out with friends in every setting including with young people and families at the park, at shops, at the library, and at Zumba classes. “Wherever the opportunity allowed,” the team reflects.

Every three months, a spurt in energy was felt in the neighbourhood as a group of households dedicated a set amount of time to connecting to new and existing friends and time was set aside to study, plan, reflect, and invite friends to a community festival. “This occurs every three months,” the team says. “Each festival explores a different theme based on the reality of the neighbourhood and the conversations that are undertaken at that time – such as hope, family, community and nobility.”

A recent festival saw local mothers and youth taking greater ownership such as planning for activities, the local Zumba instructor facilitating a group dance, a member of the local council participating, and families joining the reflection spaces immediately after the festival.

The team reflects that the festivals are a “creative and dynamic way” to introduce the themes from the capacity-building Ruhi Institute material to the neighbourhood.

“The festivals have provided a unique opportunity to connect to many people at once in the neighbourhood, with around 100 attending each festival.”

“They have connected almost 2% of the population to this community-building process and are a vital part of the community life.”

“Through the festivals, we can see that the neighbourhood truly is renewed, a new culture has been born and the lives of those connected to the process have been touched.”