By Megan Schmid, Staff Writer
After moving to Reston from London in 2022, Georgia Norton discovered how mental health metrics vary immensely from country to country. According to a recent American Psychiatric Association poll, one in three Americans feels lonely every week and is more likely to ease this feeling through a distraction, like TV or social media, instead of reaching out to connect with others.
“For many in a large city, working from home, video-calling, and ordering groceries online all liberated us to be more present and engaged in our local communities, simplifying lifestyles,” Norton said. “But when I moved to Reston, I noticed a lot of isolation, and craved that serendipity of conversation on the sidewalk and at walkable local events, school runs, and coffee shops. A lot of ‘convenient’ technology innovations are restricting human connection, which we fundamentally need as a social species.”
In an effort to encourage community bonds while in the challenging throes of parenthood, Norton started the Parents’ Coworking Club pilot program at the Jo Ann Rose Gallery space at the Reston Community Center at Lake Anne. She chose this space for its natural light, high ceilings, and inspiring displays of local art, a stark contrast to the typical coffee shops, kitchen tables, or corporate office space rentals commonly available to those who work remotely.
The Parents’ Coworking Club, created specifically for parents of Reston elementary school children, met three times this past spring. Around 25 parents came across the weeks, with children in six different Reston schools.
With peaceful music playing in the background, 16 desks were set up with aerating plants, and healthy refreshments were provided. There also was a stretching area, a lending library with texts on conscientious parenting, and a table with stationery supplies, activism resources, and local event information provided by Reston Museum.
“There was a real appetite for this offering, and I saw some wonderful connections being made as attendees got to chatting with one another about what they did and what their kids are into. Camaraderie was the top piece of feedback, which was exactly what I'd hoped to spark,” Norton said.
Norton plans to host the next Parents’ Coworking Club this fall at the Reston Community Center at Hunters Woods. She is also exploring costs and applying for grants to lease an office space to provide more community events for local families. “Rates of loneliness are shocking and with all the division in society right now, nurturing our community feels like the right thing to do,” she said.
Contact Georgia@Playhood.club to join the mailing list or sponsor an event. Ideas like Norton's that result in positive action in the community are the types of ideas that continue to make Reston a great place to live, work, and play — just like our founder intended.
Comentarios