“Some people think they are in community, but they are only in proximity. True community requires commitment and openness. It is a willingness to extend yourself to encounter and know the other.” – David Spangler
Now that we have covered the ins and outs of real estate, from an organizational perspective, I’m going to wrap it up with this weeks post. Whether you’ve just moved, or lived in your home for awhile, I want to encourage each and every one of you to go out and build a community in your neighborhood. Get to know your new or current neighbors and forge those relationships! Organization isn’t just about our homes and offices, but true intentional living.
Here are some ideas on how to build relationships in your community:
- Turn off the TV, computer and smart phone
- Get outside to ride bikes and go for walks
- Plan a neighborhood or block party
- Plan an annual holiday party: Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day or Halloween
- Host a potluck, BBQ or progressive dinner
- Hire neighborhood kids for small jobs around the house
- Bake extra cookies and share
- Participate in neighborhood activities
- Go with your children when they play outside
- Sit on your front porch and greet others as they walk by
- Offer tools or a helping hand
- Shop local and frequent neighborhood coffee shops and restaurants
- Have a neighborhood garage sale
- Support children’s fundraisers
- Offer to water plants and pick up the mail for neighbors out of town
- Ride bikes around the neighborhood with your kids
- Open your front door, a screen might be helpful if you feel exposed
- Attend your neighborhood association meeting
- Help kids organize a lemonade stand
- Introduce yourself to new neighbors
- Ask others to join you for a weekly walk, run or bike ride
- Carpool
- Host a neighborhood book club
- Start a community garden
Tiffany Larson, guest blogger on Simple Mom, had a great post last week on this topic. Check it out for more ideas.
I would love you to share your ideas or experience on building a community within your neighborhood!