BEAM survey: What do you need?

BEAM (Building Essex Area Mutuality) is launching in 2026. We’re an all-voluntary, non-money, free group – aiming to build connections among people in Essex County NJ towns, and between local mutual aid groups. We hope to help change the culture, and to let people feel more connected to and supported by one another.

We’re asking what do you and other people need, to improve community, neighborhood, and family life? Use your imagination!

Please answer these short questions. For each question, you can choose more than one option:

1. How would you like BEAM to help you feel more connection, belonging, and empowerment in our local community?Find or create ways to meet neighbors, hang out, make friends, and assist when needed.Provide opportunities to donate money, goods, or services for community members.Hold events that offer free fresh produce and grocery items.Hold events that offer free clothes and hygiene products.Help organize neighbors and friends to bring you hot meals during a difficult time.Help cover urgent or unexpected bills – for food, transport, utilities, rent, etc.Offer free and discounted tickets to local culture and entertainment events.Support parents and caregivers.OTHER?

2. What community activities would you like to participate in, if they were in your neighborhood?Community art project – Express yourselves together.Coffee/tea and chat – Montclair Mutual Aid can provide free coffee/tea and a new conversation starter each time.Round Robin dinner – Each course is at a different home, and the dinner “progresses” from house to house. Bring food (potluck) for one course. Neighbors meet and talk!Walking club – Gather with neighbor(s), walk, and chat.Tool-share library in your neighborhood. Borrow equipment for household repairs, gardening, lawn mowing, snow blowing – or whatever you and your neighbors need.Rideshare or carpool to grocery store or other shopping.Babysitting or childcare sharing with neighbors.Skill sharing – Free classes or courses or LEARNING event, on any topic or skill.OTHER activity ideas?

3. How often would you want to meet?WeeklyEvery other weekMonthlyEvery other month

4. Where do you live? *Town (and nearby streets intersection)

5. (OPTIONAL) BEAM can …keep in touch with you about the activities you marked abovehelp to meet needs for you, your family, or our communitysend info about about volunteering in our communitysubscribe you to BEAM’s free news emails

Your contact infoPlease provide at least one way for us to contact you.

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