The Idea Friendly Method: Big Change Starts with One Table

 

By embracing the "Idea Friendly Method," small towns and neighborhoods are discovering a new, empowering way to spark change—without waiting for permission, funding, or elaborate planning. Developed by Deb Brown and Becky McCray, this method encourages everyday people to take initiative and create momentum for community transformation in simple, organic ways.

At its heart, the Idea Friendly Method has three key steps: gather your crowd, build connections, and take small steps. It’s not about committees, formal structures, or gatekeeping. Instead, it begins with whoever shows up and whatever resources are already in hand.

A standout example of this philosophy in action comes from a small town in Kansas. There, a single folding table set up on Main Street became the beginning of a citywide tradition. What started as a modest dinner shared among a handful of neighbors grew into an annual potluck that now spans the length of Main Street. People bring food, folding chairs, and a desire to connect—no official permits, no waiting on grants, just neighbors taking the first step and others joining in.

This story embodies the power of starting small. The first person who set up that table didn’t know how big it would become. They just acted. That’s the core lesson: take the smallest step possible and let it grow.

The Idea Friendly Method helps shift mindsets. In many communities, the tendency is to plan, form a committee, get approval, apply for funding, and then—maybe—do something a year later. This slow-moving process often discourages fresh ideas or community involvement. But what if the bar to entry were much lower? What if the motto became: “Do what you can, with who you have, and see what happens”?

That’s what makes this method so transformative. It invites more people in, particularly those who might feel excluded from traditional civic processes. It rewards experimentation over perfection. It puts the power of change back into the hands of neighbors.

There are lessons here for towns of all sizes. First, don’t underestimate the power of informal gatherings. A backyard barbecue, porch conversation, or group text can be the spark for something larger. Second, don’t wait for ideal conditions. Communities grow stronger when people act—even imperfectly—rather than wait. And finally, understand that ownership builds trust. When more people feel like they’re part of something, momentum builds naturally.

In a time when many towns struggle with division or disengagement, the Idea Friendly Method offers a hopeful path forward—one folding table at a time.

Written by David L. Burton

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