Community Building Series Part III

Improving a neighborhood can feel like trying to resurrect the Titanic, but in reality it’s more like flipping a burger with a family next door. When our prime focus is only on the problems in a community, it can start to feel discouraging and we give up, thinking “I don’t have the time or energy,” or “I can’t do this by myself”, or “I don’t even know where to begin.” I’d like to suggest though that the beginning point for strengthening a neighborhood is really about small every day choices rather than planning big events or programs.

Strengthening a community simply recognizes that relationships rather than high fences are what is most important. The truth is you do not need ample time, money, grey hair, or incredible leadership skills to make a difference in your tract. You only need to be attentive to your surroundings and intentional in some very practical ways. This is about a mindset, a lifestyle, a paradigm to live from.

Connecting with neighbors can be something very natural and it happens over time. It is not something that you have to plan for per se or worry about adding to your busy schedule. Below are some practical tips to connect (or re-connect) with neighbors:

• Sit out in your front yard or on your porch
• Wave to passersby and say “hello” to people
• Introduce yourself to new residents
• Find a resident to exercise with
• Volunteer to collect mail while your neighbor is gone
• Borrow a tool or ask for advice
• Keep your yard well kept
• Invite a few neighbors to holiday parties or have someone over for dinner
• BBQ in your front yard with one other household
• Say sorry when you need to
• Do an Easter egg hunt for your street
• Take regular walks (with your dogs and kids too because they are conversation magnets)
• Exchange phone numbers with your neighbors in case of an emergency
• Talk to another resident about your desire to see neighbors connect
• Consider parking in your driveway so that you are visible outside more often

Most of life in a neighborhood consists of non-glamorous regular moments, but these instances present opportunity for connection and are the building blocks for the future. Mother Teresa once said, “We can do no great things, only small things with great love.” Now go and do small things.

What tips do you have to connect with neighbors?

Part IV: Re-Believing in Community Participation