Host a Porch Party. Build community.
Registration has closed. Thank you to all who hosted a party and made a real difference in the ongoing work to become a more connected community.
UA Porch Parties has been a partnership between Equal UA, the Center for HumanKindness, UA Community Foundation, City of UA and Community Relations Committee.
UA Porch Parties is an extension of the Center for HumanKindness’s Kindness Close to Home program, which seeks to help more people feel that they belong by encouraging, supporting, and celebrating small neighborhood gatherings that can:
This is an opportunity to build closer relationships.
While the big events take place in our community, it’s often difficult for people to make meaningful and lasting connections in big crowds. This is an opportunity for smaller and more intimate gatherings with the people who live right down the street.
Porch Parties make connecting accessible.
With the party packs and Equal UA’s support, UA residents can facilitate meaningful, accessible, low-stakes, easy-to-throw gatherings that promote continued connection. This can have a cascade effect that will leads to an increased sense of belonging, safety, empathy, and compassion.
Engage vulnerable populations.
Some groups in our community are at greater risk for isolation, including the 20 percent of residents in UA who rent, adults without children, older adults, and new residents. With this initiative, we hope to infuse a culture of intentionality encouraging participants to reach out to new people who have moved in and those they’ve never met.
Porch Parties
create connection.
Socially connected communities are more prepared for and resilient in the face of disaster or divisive situations; they also experience greater economic prosperity and reduced levels of crime and violence. (Office of the U.S. Surgeon General)
Only 54% of UA residents feel like they belong.
This includes 39% of residents who rent and 68% of homeowners. (UA 2022 City Survey)
100% of residents feel they are treated differently because they are not “generational” residents. (UA Perceptions Assessment)
Half of U.S. adults have experienced loneliness recently.
Loneliness can increase the risk of premature death as much as smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day.
Only 3 in 10 Americans know the names of most or all of their neighbors.
Social connection makes communities healthier.
Higher levels of connection can influence health-related behaviors; educational and economic achievement are even impacted by connection. (Office of the U.S. Surgeon General)
Socially connected communities are healthier, more trusting, safer, and more prosperous. Exploring deeper connections with the people who live and work in your neighborhood can have surprising benefits for you, your neighbors, and the community.