Power circle

Are they changing the world, or just having a good time?

The most powerful neighborhood group in the Northwest District may be the modestly named Friends of Couch Park. They stand in a circle for no more than 60 minutes every Friday morning and talk. They share stories and observations, walk around the park to see what’s new and then break up, perhaps for coffee or lunch at the Hostel Cafe.

A first-time observer would never guess which one is the chair. All seem to enjoy the experience. No arguments arise. No one speaks excessively. They laugh a lot.

Yet in a short time they have changed this corner of the neighborhood immensely where others have fallen short. They have the ear of government officials and local media. They spawned Stadiumhood Neighbors, extended their reach and impact. What do they know that other activist groups don’t?

Perhaps it’s because they see the problems in front of them and collectively respond in the most direct and obvious ways. I don’t know. The phenomenon still amazes me, but I aim to explore their special synergy in future editions of the Examiner.