‘Chamber of Connection’ launches in Seattle to help tech transplants and others adjust to their new city
Moving to a new city has its challenges. Moving to Seattle is often considered particularly difficult, whether because of the weather or the so-called “Seattle Freeze,” which is said to result in newcomers being given the cold shoulder.
A new civil society organization called american chamber of commerce is using Seattle as a pilot city to help repair the social connections it believes are lacking in modern society. Our goal is to help everyone from techies to college students to refugees, retirees and anyone looking for help finding their footing in a new place.
Aaron Hurst is the founder and CEO behind this endeavor. As a long-time social entrepreneur, Hurst has founded organizations such as the Taproot Foundation, Imperative and Board.Dev, dedicated to building more connected communities.
Hurst, who moved to Seattle from Brooklyn, N.Y., with his wife a decade ago, admits the big cultural shift has been a struggle. He’d heard people say it took at least five years to build a relationship. He was drawn into the frozen narrative, which he believed could be a self-fulfilling prophecy in a way.
“At some point it became clear to me that we were going to stay in Seattle. I was like, ‘I need to really connect here,'” Hurst said. He began hosting dinner parties twice a month for six to eight people to talk about various experiences in Seattle. “It really helped me understand the nature of this challenge.”
Hurst said that although Seattle attracts a wide range of newcomers, the technology field undoubtedly represents the dominant population, and it is here that many frictions between “locals” and outsiders occur. He called this an unhealthy dynamic for the civic environment.
“We’re seeing a decline in volunteering, a decline in philanthropy, and a failure to integrate tech talent into the city itself,” Hurst said. “That has a negative impact on these individuals and on the city and its ability to thrive. Huge impact. So a big part of it is trying to bridge those two worlds.
Seattle isn’t the only city in need of more social connections, Hurst said, citing a loneliness epidemic Across the U.S., it may have to do with changing habits brought about by the Internet, social media, political divisions, the pandemic, and remote work.
To address this issue, the Connect Chamber has attracted “welcoming committee” members from several Seattle companies and institutions, including Microsoft, Amazon, University of Washington, Seattle University, Seattle Mariners, Kraken and others.
“Our goal is to have a committee that represents all the different groups of newcomers,” Hurst said. “Part of the challenge is that people in the arts need to meet people in technology, and people in technology need to meet people in medicine. This is where innovation and magic happens, and where friendships that change cities and countries happen.
Jean HallerA partner and chief of staff at Seattle venture capital firm Ascend joined the welcoming committee because she believes the chamber is addressing a critical need for human connection.
“Moving to a new city can be overwhelming, especially for people in the tech industry,” Haller said. “I’m excited about the potential the Chamber has to help people connect, build relationships and find their place in our vibrant and growing tech community.”
Starting in February, the Connect Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with City Hall, will be hosting what is essentially a Monthly Orientation Events For new residents of Seattle, a four-hour class on Saturday helps people learn about the city.
The organization also created “6 points of connection” An actionable checklist for defining and strengthening social bonds as individuals and leaders. The list includes things like creating weekly social interactions outside of work and home, and participating in volunteer activities.
In addition, the group hopes to Recruit leaders Establish a dedicated “clubhouse” in each Seattle neighborhood where newcomers can meet their neighbors and make new friends. The online community will also provide a safe space to help facilitate gatherings.
The Chamber of Connection hopes to cover 50 U.S. cities within 10 years. The nonprofit will seek to generate revenue through membership and events, so it will not rely on philanthropy. co-founder Lindsay Morrison He is the operating officer of the group. Shasta Nelson is the Chief Friendship Officer, and Michael Hebb is a founding board member.
Hurst has been in contact with Mayor Bruce Harrell’s office and said they were interested in whether the idea would fit with the mayor’s vision “A Seattle” imagine.
“One of the biggest reasons why we are not ‘one Seattle’ today is because of this framework real seattle people and Unreal Seattle guy,” Hurst said. “People want to focus on something positive and local. People are tired of fighting, and they want to start actually building something that they can control and actually bring joy to their lives.
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2024-12-04 17:00:00