 We remember the front porch, visiting with grandma, sitting with neighbors and saying hello to old and new friends walking by. This is where we shared our lives with neighbors, family and friends. We caught up on special events and we caught up on the community. Over time, the front porch was replaced by the backyard deck. The front of our homes are now dominated by garage doors. We sit in the back of our homes less connected. We have built our neighborhoods to prioritize our mobility and privacy, not our connectedness. As a result, we have moved farther apart. Larger, small, historic bungalow or ranch, apartment or townhouse, the front of the dwelling is where we can welcome a stranger or a friend, where we can sense the abundance of care and support in our midst. Community is not a noun, it is a verb, it requires our active participation. We need this to regain our connectedness, our sense of community and most importantly our sense of belonging. By actively engaging in community building, we develop trust and friendships. Knit the social fabric, we get to know the gifts of others. It's as easy as moving your chair from the back of your residence to the front. It's as easy as reaching out to a neighbor. It's as easy as being an extra set of eyes and ears for problems in your area. This connection makes your neighborhood a better place to live. Longmont Public Safety is committed to building a partnership. Take the first step, move your chair to the front and make a connection.