Dear Trends Diary,
I have been organizing a growing group of volunteers who want to help their neighbors with errands. My hope has been to foster a sense of care and connection in a time of seeming isolation. Because of this idea, I have now met more Boulderites in two weeks at home than I’ve met in the entire year and half that I’ve lived here!
Don’t laugh…I’m just an introvert!
But don’t be fooled: despite my innate ability to socially distance, these days have still been tough. My heart has been heavy. My thoughts filled with sad news that I could do nothing about, apart from staying home. Then one night, I found my way onto a neighborhood website where members had already begun posting about their willingness to help. There were so many eager neighbors stuck at home and wanting to be of use to their community. I thought, “There must be a way to organize this useful resource” … and Errand Runners was born.
Every step of creating Errand Runners has been a learning experience. When I decided to create a virtual space to organize volunteers, I didn’t know what the specific needs of the community would really be. So far, we have helped with errands at pharmacies, grocery stores, post offices and even a delivery from the Mediterranean Market! As we continue, I’m hoping to see us pair with existing non-profits who may need help with errands for their participants. Thankfully, those with needs are finding Errand Runners and thinking of creative and useful ways to request our help.
And so, this introvert’s journey continues in a world where physical distancing has turned into what some are calling an introvert’s paradise. Unless, of course, you decide to create a group meant to connect people!
– Ali Johnson
