There is a fascinating movement in Italy called “Social Streets”.

A father of one was tired of seeing his son play alone in their neighborhood. Although his city of Bologna, Italy had a high density of residents, they did not know each other and their streets were not being used as places of gathering and connection. So he decided to do something simple. He created a basic Facebook group to connect with just the people on his street. The goal was not to make more virtual friends on social media, but to connect real people in real time in his own neighborhood. He put out some posters and a few people signed up.

It was the start of something special.

The idea of “Social Streets” has taken off. Today there are more than 470 Social Street groups around the world (with the vast majority in Italy) helping neighbors to re-connect in their place. The goal of these groups is not big size, but rather close proximity and a sense of interconnection. There is no central leader, no fees, and no big master plan. Yet through the initiative some amazing things have happened.

One Social Street in Italy shares photos of their terraces not normally visible from the street and welcomed others to join in. Another group began sharing goods with each other. Another Social Street found a love for live music. Still another has been a hub for new and intentional friendships.

One of the discoveries these Social Street groups have made is that in the midst of giving away things, car pooling to concerts, or planning meals together, they found something else: mutual trust. They are more likely to share and receive advice and help from a neighbor because they are no longer strangers, but people they know will be on their side. The sharing culture that is emerging in the Social Streets movement in Italy is revealing a new economy that did not exist before. Between neighbors a new kind of exchange has developed, one that connects people together in a way that money transactions alone simply cannot.