Opinion: Using porch as a verb

Commentary by Jeff Worrell

An adored and highly popular annual event that comes together on a Sunday afternoon each September is Porchfest. Local bands perform on the front porches of homes in the neighborhood just north of the Carmel Arts & Design District. I was a founding member of the committee that convinced local homeowners to share their front door spaces to help foster a greater sense of community.

So, it seems natural to encourage more “porching” in Carmel throughout the rest of the year.

Local author of “The Soul of Civility,” Alexandra Hudson, recently shared a story about her friend Joanna Taft, executive director of the Harrison Center for the Arts in Indianapolis. Taft introduced her to the idea of “porching” when she invited her to join in this community revival. For Taft, porching is about creating a welcoming environment where people from diverse backgrounds can meet, share experiences, and form friendships.

Historically, front porches served as social hubs where families gathered to engage with neighbors and passersby. Locally, this tradition is being revived, as our planning and zoning professionals encourage usable front porches as a reminder of the importance of openness and connection. By transforming porches into gathering spaces, Carmel is fostering dialogue and strengthening community ties, proving that simple interactions can unite us all in the spirit of civility.