Whether you’re new to your neighbourhood or you’ve lived there for some time, building a sense of community in the area you live can play an essential part in your well-being. By connecting with those who live close to you, you can actively work to improve your neighbourhood, as well as foster in your children a sense of the importance of community involvement and becoming an active, engaged citizen. Read on for some tips to help build community and connect with your neighbours.
Ask around
Every community needs volunteers, but the need might not be immediately apparent, especially if you’re new to the area. Start out by visiting your local library, church, school, or community group, and ask about volunteer opportunities. You can also check the bulletin boards at those places for information about groups like book clubs and sewing circles. The more neighbours you get to know, the more opportunity you’ll have to build community.
What are you passionate about?
Volunteering for community initiatives will be much more fulfilling if you choose projects that are relevant to your interests. For example, if you have children of school-age, volunteer for the parent-teacher association. Or if you have a talent or skill, find a community need where it could assist someone. Is there a local charity that needs some web design? Could you volunteer your plumbing skills to assist with a care in the community programme? No matter what is important to you, there is a way to build on that interest to connect with the larger community.
Start a community garden
If you notice a vacant plot of land in your neighbourhood, why not turn it into something beautiful and useful? Work with your town council to get permission to start a community garden, and solicit volunteers to help work on planting and maintaining. Not only will this create a serene place for neighbours to relax, the vegetables you yield could be donated to a local charity or food bank.
Community on your doorstep
How well do you know your neighbours? Make an effort to say hello. Sit outside after dinner or on the weekends during nice weather, and chat with others who are also outside. Invite them over for coffee. If your children are playing together, invite them over to your house for a barbecue. Though building community takes time, it starts with the small connections.
Connect on social media
Make a Facebook page or meet up group for people on your street. This is an easy way to plan events, share information, or simply post a quick note inviting friends to meet you at the park. You can also see what already exists in your area—many schools and community locations are active on social media as well.
Take on a challenge
Does your neighbourhood have issues that residents want to address? Are there facilities you’d like at your local park, a local service that’s facing closure or fears of break-ins or burglaries? By spearheading an effort to help get problems addressed together, you can connect with neighbours who have similar views and work together to improve the quality of life for everyone in your community.
Take an interest
Find out what’s already happening in your community and go along to local events. Whether it’s a community party, a library story-time, a fair, or a hobby group, you’re sure to meet people who might be your neighbours—and possible future friends. If there’s not much going on where you live, think about planning something fun. Chat with your neighbours to gauge interest.
Though building a community from scratch can be challenging, the feeling of connection and accomplishment that you’ll feel is well worth the effort. Have fun and see where your community can take you.
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