Reciprocity Matters: Getting Hyperlocal to Support Local Businesses and Community Schools

The coalition of nonprofit and school partners that bring Zone 126’s work to life know all too well that in a period of economic contraction—and yes, it’s coming—neighborhoods are on the front lines in dealing with residents of increased unemployment. In western Queens, the likelihood is that the front lines may be between the Queensborough and RFK bridges, west of 21st Street and end at the river’s edge.

Finding ways for area residents living in concentrated poverty to co-exist with gentrification in Astoria and Long Island City requires the right mix of global and local policy solutions where citizens look to each other to build and sustain both the local economy and its learning institutions. It falls under the umbrella of localism—a community-grown concept and effort that is about building resiliency in a specific community, backed and sustained by a strong local economy investing in their local schools.

It also involves the mutual exchange of goods and services between people (reciprocity), an idea I presented in 2016 around creating a community-grown solutions—anchored in schools, libraries and public houses in Astoria and Long Island City. 2018 is the year to intentionally link community anchors (public housing, libraries and schools) to local businesses and unlock the power and potential of people who reside and students who learn along Astoria and Long Island City’s truck route corridor to shape the local economy, improve low-performing schools in School District 30 and increase graduation rates.

As we approach the holiday season, the Zone 126 team acknowledges and gives special thanks to our nonprofit and school partners whose longstanding commitment to collaboration makes this work possible and advances our mission. In 2018, please consider joining one of Zone 126’s Affinity Groups and together we can turn this idea a reality.

The future is ours to create. Happy Holidays.