A Thanksgiving Message: How NICs Can Bring Us Closer Together

On this Thanksgiving Day, as we gather with family and friends to celebrate abundance and gratitude, it’s worth reflecting on the role our neighborhoods play in shaping our daily lives. For many, the idea of community has been diminished by the restrictions and frustrations of traditional Homeowners’ Associations (HOAs). But what if our neighborhoods could reflect the values of Thanksgiving—freedom, connection, and shared purpose—every day of the year?

This is the promise of Neighborhood Improvement Cooperatives (NICs). Unlike HOAs, which impose rigid rules and mandatory fees, NICs empower neighbors to work together voluntarily to enhance their community, respect individual choices, and create opportunities for prosperity. NICs are about building a sense of connection and ownership, not control.

As we celebrate Thanksgiving, a holiday rooted in both individual hard work and shared gratitude, let’s explore how NICs can transform our neighborhoods and rekindle the spirit of collaboration and freedom that defines this day.

Victory Gardens: A Heritage Worth Reviving

Victory Gardens aren’t just about growing food; they’re about embracing self-reliance and embodying the values that have defined America for generations. During World War II, these gardens were critical, producing nearly 40% of the nation's fresh vegetables at the height of the effort. Every family’s garden contributed to the larger goal of freedom and resilience.

This tradition echoes the very first Thanksgiving, where early settlers and Native Americans shared the fruits of their labor, celebrating the harvest and a spirit of cooperation. Victory Gardens are a bridge between these two historic moments—a reminder that independence and community can coexist beautifully.

In today’s neighborhoods, Victory Gardens are more than a nostalgic idea—they’re a way to reclaim that heritage of independence and voluntary connection. Each family growing its own vegetables, herbs, or fruits adds to the abundance of the season while reaffirming the principles of self-reliance and productivity.

Why NICs Are Better Than HOAs

1. Freedom of Choice

NICs are voluntary. Homeowners decide whether and how they want to participate, choosing projects that align with their values and interests. Whether it’s sustainable landscaping, bulk repairs, or renewable energy systems, NICs give you the freedom to shape your property and contribute to your neighborhood in your way.

In contrast, HOAs often enforce one-size-fits-all rules, leaving residents frustrated and feeling constrained. NICs, by contrast, embody the American principle of freedom of association—working together by choice, not obligation.

2. A Focus on Shared Benefits

Thanksgiving reminds us of the joy of shared effort and abundance. NICs channel that spirit into actionable projects that benefit the entire neighborhood:

• Coordinating home maintenance schedules for bulk discounts on roofing, driveways, or HVAC systems.
• Promoting local food production, such as Victory Gardens or leased farm plots, to reduce costs and increase sustainability.
• Organizing events like neighborhood markets or workshops to foster camaraderie and mutual support.

By focusing on voluntary collaboration, NICs strengthen the fabric of a community without infringing on personal freedoms.

3. Austrian Economics in Action

NICs operate on free-market principles, encouraging neighbors to exchange goods, services, and ideas without coercion. For example:

• A homeowner with extra tomatoes from their Victory Garden might trade them for herbs from a neighbor’s plot.
• Farmers leasing yard space from neighbors provide fresh produce, creating value for both parties.
• Local businesses partner with NICs to sponsor projects, creating goodwill while supporting the community.

This model fosters efficiency and innovation, reflecting the best of Austrian economics: individuals freely choosing what’s best for them while creating a thriving, interconnected neighborhood.

Thanksgiving in an NIC Neighborhood

1. A Celebration of Individual Effort

Each neighbor contributes to the neighborhood in their own way, whether through a beautifully tended yard, a productive garden, or participation in a local improvement project. On Thanksgiving, the results of that effort shine, from homegrown herbs in the stuffing to a new geothermal system that keeps homes warm during the feast.

2. Strengthening Connections

NICs encourage neighbors to come together in meaningful ways:

• A neighborhood potluck showcases dishes featuring produce from individual gardens or locally raised foods.
• A pre-Thanksgiving farmer’s market allows families to share the bounty of their efforts, from fresh apples to jars of honey.
• Workshops on traditional Thanksgiving recipes or sustainable cooking reinforce a sense of shared heritage and skills.

These moments of connection build trust and camaraderie, making the neighborhood stronger and more resilient.

3. Honoring American Heritage

Thanksgiving is about remembering the values that shaped our nation—resilience, independence, and gratitude. NICs align with this heritage, offering a modern way to embrace those principles. From the spirit of self-reliance in Victory Gardens to the shared effort of neighborhood projects, NICs bring Thanksgiving’s values to life year-round.

A Better Neighborhood, Every Day

With NICs, Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be a once-a-year celebration. The principles that make this holiday meaningful—freedom, gratitude, and connection—can become part of daily life in your neighborhood. Imagine:

• Neighbors voluntarily working together to improve their homes and yards, creating a community that feels inviting and vibrant.
• A local farmer leasing unused land in the neighborhood to grow fresh produce, benefiting homeowners and supporting sustainable agriculture.
• Seasonal events, like a Thanksgiving potluck or harvest festival, that remind everyone of what they’ve accomplished together.

These are the kinds of neighborhoods NICs can create—places where people live not just side by side but in genuine connection with one another.

Looking Ahead

This Thanksgiving, let’s be grateful for the opportunity to imagine a better way to live. Neighborhood Improvement Cooperatives (NICs) offer a path to more connected, prosperous, and harmonious communities, grounded in freedom and mutual respect. While today we’ve focused on the ways NICs reflect the spirit of Thanksgiving, there’s so much more to explore—from their role in addressing housing affordability to their potential for fostering renewable energy projects.

Stay tuned for an upcoming article that dives deeper into all the ways NICs can revolutionize our neighborhoods. For now, as you gather with loved ones, consider how a community built on freedom and collaboration could make every day feel a little more like Thanksgiving.

Happy Thanksgiving! From the vision of Victory Gardens to the promise of NICs, may your table be filled with abundance, your heart with gratitude, and your neighborhood with connection.