Teju Ravilochan Describes His Work Bringing Neighbors Together and Why He Believes That, “In Community, We Have Everything We Need.”

Teju Ravilochan was born in the United States, just two years after his parents came to this country from their native India.  His parents went on to careers in medicine, but only after help from several corners of their adopted community.  Growing up, they taught these lessons to their son, and today Teju is the founder of GatherFor, a non-profit dedicated to the belief that “in community, we have everything we need.”  In this Blue Sky conversation, Teju describes the remarkable and brave work that he and his colleagues are doing, particularly in challenging housing development in Brooklyn, NY.  Teju describes how nearly every tactic and practice they pursue is nothing new, but rather reaching back to old, in some cases ancestral, concepts of community and looking out for our neighbors.  Teju’s optimism is as infectious as his work his inspiring. 

 
Learn more about GatherFor: https://gatherfor.org/ 

 Chapters:

01:12 Teju Ravolochan’s Journey with GatherFor 
Teju Ravilochan shares his background and the founding of GatherFor, a non-profit organization that organizes neighbors in Brownsville, Brooklyn to support each other unconditionally. 

02:23 Teju’s Family and Heritage 
Teju discusses his family’s immigration journey from India to the United States, highlighting the support and kindness they received from their community, shaping his belief in the importance of community over individualism. 

06:00 The American Dream and Community Support 
Teju reflects on the American Dream, emphasizing the role of community support in achieving success and questioning the societal focus on financial wealth over communal bonds. 

15:06 Undervaluing Community in Modern Society 
Teju discusses the loneliness epidemic and the undervaluing of community in modern society, contrasting it with historical practices of communal living and support. 

27:01 Building GatherFor in Brownsville 
Teju shares the early days of Gather 4, starting with 8 people and growing through word-of-mouth. The focus is on storytelling as a tool to connect neighbors and build relationships. 

33:13 Rebuilding Trust in Public Housing 
Teju recounts the challenges faced in engaging with the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) to address long-standing repair issues. The chapter highlights the transformative impact of community organizing and a unique approach to building trust with NYCHA. 

46:26 Transforming Community Culture through a Block Party 
The story of how a block party organized by Glenmore Proud residents led to repairing over 1,600 issues in 60 days. The event not only celebrated the repairs but also fostered a sense of community and trust among neighbors. 

48:06 Lessons in Community Organizing and Engagement 
Insights into Teju’s approach to community engagement, including the importance of building trust and relationships before scaling initiatives. The chapter emphasizes the power of storytelling and shared experiences in fostering community connections.