Rediscovering Our Community Democracy in TriCity Neighboring

"It was Adriana Alejandro Osorio, a board member at World Savvy, the education nonprofit. . . who first said to me that Minnesotans had turned “neighboring” into a verb. . . ."

--Thomas L. Friedman, New York Times, March 15, 2026

On Sunday, March 15, 2026, Robert Reich devoted his Substack Post entirely to an article by Thomas L. Friedman of the New York Times. He writes,

"Friends,

I rarely post an entire article, but this one, from today’s Times, written by Times columnist Thomas L. Friedman, is so apt and important to what we’re going through that I felt compelled to share it with you. It’s a wonderful affirmation of something I’ve been saying from the start of these dark days — that through them we will hopefully gain a deeper sense of who we are and what we value, stronger bonds of true patriotism and community, and a more lasting understanding of what we owe one another as members of the same society. That’s my hope and my faith. The Twin Cities in Minnesota offer an example. In my humble opinion, the people of Minneapolis and St. Paul deserve the Nobel Peace Prize.

Why Minnesota Matters More Than Iran for America’s Future

Thomas L. Friedman"

In these times of real darkness and uncertainty, we have each other. In the deep cold and snow of winter, the good people of Minnesota stood up and showed us how to remember the light we have as family, friends, neighbors and community members.

Inspired by rising power of the people that Minnesota has sparked across our country, Indivisible Fremont CA is presenting the Community Conversations Series: Rediscovering Our Common Bond for Democracy.

At a time when many Americans feel increasingly divided, TriCity neighbors are invited to gather together rediscover the shared relationships and civic values that sustain democratic community life. Indivisible Fremont CA invites all residents to participate in these free to the public events.

Our goal is to encourage thoughtful dialogue and deepen needed social connections among residents from across the Tri-City community. Our gatherings will offer a welcoming space for neighbors to listen to one another and share experiences, as we utilize our Neighbor Power in the “Neighboring” approach - a community dialogue model that encourages small-group conversations where participants listen across differences to explore shared civic values.

Join us in the Fellowship Hall at the Niles Discovery Church, in a community building TriCity Neighboring as we re-discover our foundation for democracy that includes the Fremont, Newark, and Union City. Register on-line.

The three dedicated conversations include:

• Wednesday April 8 - Helpful Conversations Across Political Divides

• Wednesday, April 29 - Our Common Core: Rediscovering Our Community Bonds & Strengths

• Wednesday, May 13 - Democracy: Envisioning and Building A Healthy, Inclusive, and Truly Representative Government

Location / Time: Niles Discovery Church Fellowship Hall 36600 Niles Blvd, Fremont, 7:00–8:30 p.m.

Community democracy TriCity Neighboring

Delicious refreshments provided by Forest and Flour Bakery and Cafe - a gluten, dairy and peanut free bakery.

Information: fremontindivisible@pm.me https://www.indivisible-fremont.org/

Funded by a Grow Grant from Indivisible.org

Drawing by Robert Reich from his Substack published on March 15, 2026