13 Ways to Get to Know Your Neighbors
Who are the people in your neighborhood, the people that you see each day?
Having good neighbors provides added value to life. Being a good neighbor is equally valuable. However, good neighboring is not always easy in our individualistic Western society.
Jay Pathak and Dave Runyon, in their book The Art of Neighboring, observe:
As we began to reach out to our neighbors, we quickly discovered that the benefits were far-reaching. We ended up being cared for by our neighbors as much as, if not more than, we cared for them. We began to experience what it’s like to have a strong support system right outside our front door. We all have a need for genuine community, and nothing beats the frequency, availability, and spontaneity of connecting deeply with others who live nearby. (10)
What kinds of good and meaningful things might begin to happen if we got to know our neighbors better?
…when neighbors are in relationship with one another, the elderly shut-in gets cared for by the person next door, the at-risk kid gets mentored by a dad who lives on the block, and so on. (Pathak and Runyon, 19)
In other words, when neighborhoods function well, people are cared for. A neighboring movement can begin to transform families, neighborhoods, workplaces, and entire cities.
So, here are 13 practical ideas to start engaging the people in our neighborhoods
— next door, across the street, and where we live, work, and play. Of course, this list is far from complete, so I invite you — no, I implore you — to share some of your ideas in the comments. Please share with us some of the things you’ve done or ideas you’re contemplating.
So, to get the ball rolling, here is my list:
Stay outside in the front yard longer while watering — take the initiative to greet your neighbors when you see them.
Walk your dog regularly around the same time in your neighborhood — regular routines can help us intersect with the everyday routines of others.
Give your neighbors something — baked goods, for example, or vegetables from your garden.
Share a meal, games, and/or dessert — food and drink are a universally successful form of relationship building!
Attend and participate in HOA functions and other community gatherings — be present and involved in the goings on of the community.
Do a food or coat drive in winter and get neighbors involved — work together to do something meaningful for the community's good or the greater society.
Plan a neighborhood yard sale or plan an art swap night — everyone has things to get rid of, right?
Plan a Friday night BBQ each Friday through the summer — rotates homes or host each week, whichever works.
Invite people to your home to watch a sporting event or movie.
Organize and host an artistic creation night, or host a neighborhood art gallery of sorts.
Organize a tasting tour on your street (everyone sets up food and a table on the front porch) — share a favorite food or snack and get to know each other.
Start a walking or running group in the neighborhood…or bike riding…or a band…or car repair…or photography…or ___________________.
Have a front yard ice cream party in the summer — who doesn’t love ice cream?
What other ideas do you have? Please share them in the comments.
Action Tip: Pick one of the above ideas or another idea of your own, and try it this week. Come back here and let us know how it went!