#ThankYouMiami for a Sense of Community - Local Genie Miami Beach Kick-Off Bash

The primary difference between a "home" and a "living space" is a sense of belonging. Miami's constant state of transition and its status as a temporary destination sometimes make it seem far from a suitable living space, much less a home. However, at some point since I moved to Miami, a sense of belonging subconsciously seeped into my being. I can't point to how it happened or when it happened, but I can tell you why.
 
Miami has an unconventional, but very real sense of community. Unlike a traditional community, it is most recognizable in seemingly small, insignificant moments - like realizing the guy you lounge next to at the beach every weekend is in your yoga class at Green Monkey or when you're lost in downtown and the person you stop to ask for directions turns out to be a friendly face. But it is built on powerful principles like the premise of local love and it is propagated every time you and I choose to support our fellow Miami-ans.

That is why I was psyched when I learned that two of my favorite local businesses, Local Genie Miami and Public House, joined forces to host an event that brings us together as a community and that supports local environmental non-profit, ECOMB. You have heard me talk about Local Genie Miami and the Local Genie Network before (see #ThankYouMiami for Distinctively Different Neighborhoods - Brickell). Their upcoming June 20th bash at Public House will kick-off Local Genie Miami's first Miami Beach addition to their growing network of local businesses. What better way to revel in Miami's seemingly elusive sense of community than by toasting it together with $4 draft beers and $7 drinks? RSVP now!

What are your thoughts on the Miami community? Have you felt a local sense of community? When? How do you support the sense of community? When did you recognize that you felt a sense of belonging? Leave a comment below or send me a tweet @ThankYouMiami!