Values

“Guidelines” We Live By

There are no hard and fast rules to life. There are almost always circumstances that require us looking outside of a strongly-held belief to see why someone did what they did - and agreeing it’s the right thing, even if it doesn’t align with our belief. Rather than focus on “rules”, we try to consider the following guidelines when making decisions, considering situations or understanding the work that we share.

• We have to put on our own oxygen masks first, but once we’re stable, it’s our responsibility to support and empower those around us. Community care isn’t about giving until we have nothing left - it’s about recognizing where we can shift our behaviors to ensure that not only can we live our best lives - but everyone else can too, no matter what that looks like for them. It’s about thinking through our impact, attempting to reducing the harm we cause, and shifting the way we view community and our relationship to others. This also means that sometimes, we’ll have to make decisions that honor what we can do and achieve, even if it doesn’t serve our customers and clients in the way they’d prefer.

• None of what we share is completely new - these ideas just aren’t always at the forefront of our lives. From ubuntu in South Africa to jeong in Korea, a focus on our combined strength in community is embedded in cultures all around the world. Even in the United States, communities all around are supporting and uplifting each other. But at the same time, others are hesitant to do anything that inconveniences them, even when their actions hurt others. So many of us are ready to break that cycle, but just need examples of how that’s possible. Enthusiastic Neighbor isn’t about reinventing the wheel, claiming we have a brand new approach that we came up with all by ourself. It is a project that blends lifetimes of experiences around being in community with others, knowing that we all learn from each other.

• It’s not just about being kind or raising “awareness” of social issues - this future can only exist if we tangibly invest in it. That means putting our money where our mouth is. Enthusiastic Neighbor is more than just encouragement and suggestions for how each of us can contribute to a kinder and more just & accepting world - $5 from quarterly boxes and digital membership each month is invested back into the community, through contributions to different organizations and mutual aid projects. Additionally, while we are still working out the exact system, 10% percent of our sales (after taxes and fees) are moved into our Community Investment Fund to be distributed with input from stakeholders and subscribers. An additional percentage of profits is moved at the end of each fiscal year.

• Enthusiastic Neighbor isn’t about product value - it’s about shared values. If you’re looking for a box that sends $450 worth of product for $29.99, this isn’t the subscription for you. We’re not curating the best deals - we’re co-creating the future we want to see - and that includes fair compensation for everyone involved. It’s All Samantics LLC, the official name of the business behind Enthusiastic Neighbor, is committed to doing business and sourcing products in a way that’s best for everyone: purchasing from, and partnering with, a variety of small businesses, as well as larger wholesale and retail vendors. This doesn’t mean we’re paying full price for everything, but it does mean that monetary compensation has been given for every item that’s in the box - even if it’s a reduced amount to help cover production costs when other types of consideration exist as well. Ultimately, running a business is a balance. Worrying too much about our bottom line means taking advantage of someone’s else’s. Consider the box an investment on your end - not only in your own growth and community, but in small businesses, community organizations and the future you’re hoping for.

• We know that we can’t be everything to everyone, and always try to be aware of how our actions may cause harm, so that we can work towards accountability and restoration. Not only are we always open to feedback, but we know that, as Mariame Kaba says, “everything worthwhile is done with other people. From a formal advisory board to seeking paid contributors to speak about their lived experience, we’re trying our best to share varied perspectives and anchor our work in a celebration of unique identities, cultures and needs. We strive to be an anti-oppressive business focused on social good, engaged in practices that center people and community over profit. We believe in fairly compensating staff, vendors and partners in a way that everyone feels satisfied with. While we can’t always make perfect decisions or even work with all small vendors, we try to source products and services from aligned vendors in a sustainable way that we can feel proud of. In addition to the direct contributions mentioned in our offerings, a profit-sharing model is built into our operating agreement, ensuring we tangibly invest in the future we’re trying to co-create.