Community Forward completed the first round of listening sessions in October and we are coming up on the last seven sessions in November.
We are pleased to report that positive and thought-provoking discussions were had in an environment of respect and curiosity. We are also pleased to report that participants varied in age from 13 to 80-something years old, recent and long-time residents, renters and owners, some who grew up here to others who moved here from across the country and world.
“I was hesitant to join a listening session worrying it would be confrontational or hard to express my perspectives. But my experience was that it was so nicely moderated and neighbors so careful to listen and also speak up. It turned out to be energizing and positive, even with differing viewpoints.”
–Listening Session participant
Sessions are opened with a discussion of what brought us to the neighborhood and what we love about it.
“The ice breakers were fun and casual, connecting us as neighbors who enjoy our community in similar ways. And there was a gentle, positive transition into the naming conversation that I think helped us kick off a great dialogue.”
–Listening Session participant
Here are some popular quotes that participants felt expressed their values:
Don’t buy the house, but the neighborhood.
Won’t you be my neighbor? -Mr. Rogers
Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much -Hellen Keller
We welcome anyone who has not yet participated to sign up for one of the remaining sessions!
- Tues Nov. 10, 7:30 – 9:00pm
- Thurs Nov. 12, 10:00 – 11:30am
- Sat Nov. 14, 10:00 – 11:30am
- Sun Nov. 15, 4:00 – 5:30pm
- Mon Nov. 16, 7:30 – 9:00pm
At the completion of all sessions, we will identify themes across the discussions and share them back out to participants.
Also feel free to check out these resources for additional information:
- More about the listening sessions
- History of Colonel Mosby
- History of the neighborhood
- History and process of renaming streets in the City of Fairfax
- Renaming logistical considerations
- The work of the Community Forward task force
- Overview of Community Forward
We welcome you to join the conversation, whether in a Listening Session or by emailing your input to CFMosbyWoods@gmail.com.
Mosby Woods 