Listening Log: Twin Cities

What we heard from Twin Cities residents in the Minnesota: Land of Neighbors Listening Session

Minnesotans from the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area had their first opportunity to participate in a Minnesota: Land of Neighbors Listening Session on July 29 in St. Paul. The conversations about what we share centered around how we care for one another, where divides remain and how we can move forward.

How we take care of each other

One theme that resonated in both Fergus Falls and the Twin Cities is that neighbors at the innermost level are taking care of each other. Plowing snow, offering rides, watching over homes, pets or children, lending tools and so many more daily things that are done without question. 

However, that didn’t ring true for all. Some noted that people choose to stay inside and don’t engage in casual conversation or offer a wave of hello. That leads to social isolation and, for some, a lack of feeling as though they belong. Many noted the need for more third spaces to connect, like community gardens, parks and farmers markets to offer more opportunities for face-to-face connection to create a space where we all feel like we belong.

Avoiding conflict to keep the peace

While avoiding conversations that can cause conflict may seem like a way to keep the peace, we all can feel it when that happens. Navigating these deeper conversations and issues is a friction point, and some participants said they and others lack the tools to bridge these conversations, and instead withdraw or avoid these interactions altogether. 

Participants noted they are tired of the divides, the grief, tragedy and fear so many have faced for years, which have been exacerbated by civil unrest, social media division, political polarization and more. There is a shared desire to turn that back toward joy and celebration and give all Minnesotans something to feel positive about. 

Where we share connection points

While there are so many places we differ, the places where we connect are also plentiful. Shared appreciation of the land and nature around us, pride in our education systems and libraries and a common longing for basic human needs like safety and belonging can unite us all. 

Creating space for connections at a personal level, and learning how to have uncomfortable conversations will give us new connection points across neighborhoods, cities and throughout the state. While big gestures are nice, it’s the small moments that shape how we feel and who we feel connected to. Start small, with a wave or hello to someone in your community, and find a place to connect with them. Over time, those small moments will create a sense of belonging throughout your community. 

And when you do something neighborly, talk about it, so you can inspire others to do the same.