Fix perception that Wichita isn’t friendly
One of the harder things to hear at the recent Focus Forward session was that Wichita isn’t as friendly and welcoming as it used to be or still thinks it is.
Such a data-based claim raises doubts, even hackles. The great thing is there’s a simple fix, one requiring no strategy sessions or private or public investment: being more courteous and neighborly.
As part of the sobering first phase of the Wichita Community Foundation’s multiyear project examining the region’s economic trajectory, former Wichitan James Chung of Reach Advisors noted that the No. 1 perceived attribute among area residents surveyed as part of branding research was that Wichitans are warm and friendly.
But that is badly contradicted by U.S. Census Bureau data he cited related to civic engagement ranking 108 metropolitan areas. Wichita was 11th lowest for “talk with neighbors frequently,” ninth lowest for “frequently do favors for neighbors” and lowest for “see or hear from friends and family frequently.”
Chung also quoted the results of the 2010 “Soul of the Community” poll conducted by Gallup and funded by the Knight Foundation, which was part of a three-year examination of the emotional attachment residents felt to the 26 U.S. communities where Knight founders owned newspapers: “In social offerings, (Wichita) residents caring about each other remains the lowest rated area.”
That study also concluded: “Although residents rate Wichita as relatively welcoming to families with young children and the elderly, it has much lower ratings in welcomeness to all other groups. For attachment to really grow and for people to want to come to and stay in Wichita, all residents must feel welcomed there. Currently, the young talent group is on par with gays and lesbians as being perceived as the least welcome group.”
Every other statistical alarm that Chung sounded is tough to answer. Encouraging startups, bolstering income levels, increasing the workforce and population, producing and retaining more college graduates – all of that will take time, work, cooperation, capital.
But kindness is up to everybody – a matter of choices made every day. Houses of worship can and do specialize in caring and can be a rewarding resource for those looking to connect with others or further good causes. But the main guide for such needed community self-improvement is the Golden Rule.
Anyone can help counter what Chung calls Wichita’s “perception challenge.” Volunteer for the amazing nonprofit organizations that help hold the Wichita area together and enrich its quality of life. Greet and help out neighbors, or anyone you encounter who could use a hand. Host or participate in block parties or informal neighborhood get-togethers. Don’t be an aggressive driver. Start or continue one of those pay-it-backward chains of generosity at a Starbucks or other drive-through. Say “thanks.”
And, no, this isn’t just feel-good nonsense. Research shows a correlation between residents’ emotional connection to their community and the growth in its population and economy. So a nicer Wichita promises to be a prosperous, thriving one.
For the editorial board, Rhonda Holman
This story was originally published October 3, 2015 at 7:06 PM with the headline "Fix perception that Wichita isn’t friendly."