Civic circles

The interconnected small towns of the Western Catskills share a rich cultural history to lead by example for other parts of the region: to sit in difference without fear, and show up for those who need it most.

Civic circle discussions empower community members with new tools to discuss and navigate the challenges of daily life, and provide a safe space to collaboratively devise solutions to pressing local challenges.

This project comes at a time where so many of us are tired of divisiveness and bored by the mainstream media’s flat depiction of rural America, which fails to capture the kindness and nuance that underlies our communities. All that we need is already here, but we will find it in reunion.

Examples of Challenges and Unmet Needs in the western catskills devised from previous civic circles

These issue areas were devised and identified in dialogues with members of our local community. It is no surprise that they echo challenges that are faced across the nation.

  • Wealth gap. There is a wealth and income gap between people who moved to the area recently and those who have been here for decades, and in many cases, generations. 

  • Housing Instability. Whether you are seeking to rent or purchase your home, amplified prices make this unaffordable to many who have spent their whole lives in this region. Unsafe conditions in affordable rental housing creates serious safety concerns. 

  • Job scarcity. The local economy has few well-paying jobs, and those who work remotely or outside the area have a greater opportunity to earn higher wages.

  • Affordability. Rural gentrification drives up the cost of housing and goods, and disproportionately burdening those who live and work full time locally. 

  • Education. School populations are dropping, and student resources are diminishing. Merger or regionalization plans need community input and involvement to progress. We need to do more to help our children thrive. 

  • Single Parent Support. There are not enough available and affordable local resources to offset the burden of parenting without a partner.

  • Justice gap. There are nearly no affordable or free legal services within a reasonable driving distance.

Pontificating about an area's problems without direct input and leadership from those most impacted misses the mark. The issues and challenges brought up in circles are sourced directly from those most effected, who are also often the best-positioned to brainstorm solutions together. Reunion is committed to organizing and supporting these dialogues, which reach beyond the pleasantries of daily life, or the inhumane and isolationist exchanges that occur on local social media pages. Join Us!