Tips for Being Part of Your Own Community
Day to day life goes on and before we know it, we’ve worked the month away. Today I’m sharing a few tips about being an active and engaged member of your community - the one right outside your door. Working from home taught me to look around more, so I’m sharing my tips and ideas on how to feel more like part of yours. A little bit goes a long way!
I know I have a long way to go with this myself, and I am no expert when it comes to community service, but even a small effort made by each member of a community can transform it and move the needle. Even spending just one hour per month making some effort in your own neighborhood can really make it feel like a place you’re proud to live. And, it doesn’t have to cost anything either.
Volunteer. This one is an obvious first step, but one that so many write off because of time constraints or sheer lack of knowing how their skills are most useful. My advice is to pick an organization or an effort that you’re comfortable or passionate about. Or, one that you can reasonably help with consistently. Money can go far, but time and hands-on help can be so helpful for so many. Some of my go-tos are: mentoring with Big Brothers Big Sisters, donating blood with the Red Cross, volunteering on my town’s sustainability commission and most recently becoming an Election Judge.
Meet your neighbors. Wait for a convenient moment where your neighbors are out and be the one to walk up and say hello. Even if they aren’t next door, it’s still great even to put a name to a face on your own block. It’s comforting to know who lives on your block, and it makes the neighborhood feel a little more trustworthy and safe. Plus, if you’re in need of help, or if they are, it’s great when you already know each other. It’s not necessary, but I like to exchange numbers with my closest neighbors who I feel comfortable with so we can help keep an eye on each other’s houses, grab packages when we’re out of town, or just band together if we see something suspicious.
Meet your mail carrier. Working from home had me noticing the day to day hum of the activity on my block. I quickly noticed that we have a usual mail carrier, and that she always has her ear buds in while she walks her route. She usually comes at the same time each day, so I started going outside to say hello and grab my mail from her directly. Fast forward a few years, and she feels like a friend. During our little 2 minute conversations we’ve gotten to know each other, learned her name, and heard more about what her life was like. It costs nothing to be a familiar, friendly face! Plus, if I have an issue with my mail or am expecting something she's always so happy to help me.
Attend local meetings. Check out your town’s website or municipality message board for updates on upcoming meetings, announcements, local election days and local issues. Consider attending the monthly municipal meetings or open Q&A sessions with your local leaders to weigh in on decisions and offer your point of view as a citizen.
Participate online. Nextdoor and Facebook typically host community groups where users can join together to have conversations or help each other with various issues. Dive in! Give your neighbors recommendations and soak up the shared wisdom it has to offer.
Shop local and encourage others to do the same. Skip Starbuck’s and patronize your local mom and pop coffee shop. Be friendly and tell them what you like about their store! Browse around your local shops to see what they offer, even if you aren’t buying anything - and tell others to do the same. Supporting small local businesses goes a LONG way and helps keep the money in your own community.
