|
How a nonprofit in Bristol is finding ways to measure happiness in communities, while changing public policy.With an initial focus on their home city of Bristol, Happy City launched a ‘public inquiry into what works’ as an alternative to the conventional problems focused approach and came up with ‘a radically simple plan to grow happiness one city at a time’. |
Happy City is a nonprofit that is leading the way in terms of happiness and well-being indexes within cities and communities. In fact, Santa Monica, California's Well-being Index took many of the measurement tools and guidelines from this particular organization. The nonprofit's strategy is to take the aim off of GDP and but the focus on the well-being of communities to determine the goals of both social programs and public policy. The nonprofit's focus revolves around three areas:
For a brief moment I want to outline the content branding of each of these. Please note that each segment is a different color, different shape design, and on their website each value has an extensive page of support files to explain their system. The way they have set up their content strategy is something of a textbook dream. Having these three different but connecting aspects in their business plan is a concise, clear, and sustainable approach to operating a nonprofit. There is a lot to unpack within the Happy City agenda, but for the purposes of this case study I want to focus on the hardware and software of one of their more tangible campaigns: 5 Ways for Walking Groups.
THE HARDWARE
Physical aspects of a community design:
- The walking group project is set up as a way for community (co-workers, neighbors, support groups, families, friends, etc) to engage with one another while also physically walking within a community and participating in exercise.
- With each walking group that you organize you can download one of Happy City's planning packets. Happy City has designated certain tasks that should be accomplished during the walk in connection to the goal. For example, if you wanted to a host a "Connecting" walk, you can download the packet that gives you concrete ideas to follow during your walk. In simple terms, each packet is a scavenger hunt. Can you find someone in the walking group with the same favorite color? Who have you met that felt the most different from you? These packets give you the necessary introduction guides, walk guides, and an end of walk discussion guide so you can organize a lesson fairly quickly. These packets are available for free download from their website. They are for non commercial use.
THE SOFTWARE
Subliminal messaging of community design:
The 5 Guides to walking target the 5 ways to wellbeing. Again, there is a lot to discover within the Happy City organization and the dissection of this walking project is just the beginning.
- Starting with the basics, walking. A percentage of people polled felt more inclined to share and feel open with others while pursuing another task. This is why dates that are centered around an activity often feel more comfortable, and why in interviews you feel uncomfortable without having a task at hand to help calm your nerves.
- Walking in your neighborhood is an opportune moment for meeting your neighbors and also sends the message of safety to others within the neighborhood.
- Each packet focuses on the ideals that Happy City has set forth and have based off the research of the New Economics Foundation and the Foresight Foundation in 2008. This Foundation defined 5 areas of life that research has shown have the greatest influence on human happiness.
- Connection (CONNECT). Simple enough. Connecting with others brings fulfillment and joy into one's life.
- LEARN. Exploring something new, doing something differently, or learning from an experience or person can stimulate not only your brain but also increases your self esteem.
- BE ACTIVE. Physical fitness, even small bursts, have an effect on your hormone levels, brain function, and overall mental health.
- NOTICE. Awareness is social intelligence and an opportunity for gratitude and reflection. Being aware of those around us, of what's going on in our social and geographical circles, can breed empathy and understanding which leads to overall contentment.
- GIVE. Studies have shown that volunteering, giving back, or being generous with your time have a reverse altruistic effect. Giving back tends to bring appreciation into your life, boosts your self esteem, and has an overall feeling of accomplishment. Plus you strengthen the relationship of the person or group you give back to.
The 5 Guides to walking target the 5 ways to wellbeing. Again, there is a lot to discover within the Happy City organization and the dissection of this walking project is just the beginning.
Happy City's 5 Ways to Wellbeing:
Connect, KEEP Learning, BE Active, TAKE Notice, Give.