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Save the Date:
Montgomery County Village Gathering
Tuesday, May 12th, 2015 9am-2pm
What is the Village movement?
- The vision of the Village movement is to build communities for a lifetime. Villages are a local volunteer-led grassroots movement that aims to support residents of the community who choose to age-in-place. The idea is simple: neighbor helping neighbor.
- Each Village is unique and reflects the character, interests and needs of the community that creates it. The Village offers many benefits and the volunteers who create it decide what their Village will look like and what it will offer.
- Some Villages choose an intergenerational model that serves all members of the community. Examples of such Villages are Bannockburn and some neighborhood Villages in Takoma Park. Some Villages have paid staff in addition to volunteers and charge a membership fee, other Villages are all volunteer and have no fee.
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Silver Spring Village members at Zed's Cafe
What does the Village offer?
Villages offer volunteer help to their members. Volunteers offer transportation to medical appointments, services, groceries and more. Volunteers may also help with simple tasks at home. Examples include small repairs, changing light bulbs, providing cooked meals to a sick neighbor and laundry help for someone just out of the hospital.
Villages focus on building social connections. They organize events, large and small, that are of interest to their community. Villages may organize book clubs, walking groups, knitting clubs, guest speaker events, group outings and so much more. Many Village events can take place at a neighbor’s home; others can take place at a local church, synagogue, mosque, library or community recreation center. Villages often partner and connect with other local organizations and develop programs together.
Who creates the Village?
People like you! Villages are created by residents of the community, people who have a vision for an improved quality of life for all. Every new Village starts with a vision and with a dedicated core of individuals ready and willing to make that vision a reality. This is not one person's job but a community effort.
Montgomery County is committed to support local initiatives. Please see the list of local resources to get you started.