Being a neighbour is something anyone can do. It is about finding ways to relate, hear, connect, and be known by those around you. It is a joy of life to be part of a community that cares for you. The challenge to a good neighbourhood is often simply having the imagination for how we start re-connecting in the first place. Here are ten ways that you might rediscover the joy and goodness of connecting with others, right where you live.
• Share your passion. Whatever you like to do for fun or meaning, it may be a great way to connect with others. If you love to cook, make food for your neighbours. If you make model trains, tell someone about it. Neighbourhoods are full of interesting people, and sharing what makes us come alive brings out the best in others, too.
• Rethink your routine. If you come home after work and close the blinds and settle in to watch TV, you might not have much room in your life to see your neighbours. But if you change your routine to sit out on your porch, or set up the fire-pit, you may create an open door for others to join you.
• Be a neighbourhood character. This advice was given to me years ago and today most kids in the neighbourhood know me as the ‘bee-buy’ because I have honeybees in my garden. If your neighbourhood was a sit-com, what would your character be? If your street needs a kindly character who fixes bicycles in their garage, be that person, you’ll enjoy being a part of the story.
• Host sports. Your street or local park might be the best place to organize a game of street hockey, baseball, or a water balloon fight. Set a date and time, and gather up the community for a big competition.
• Don’t be too serious. Some neighbours take years to feel like they can come out and say ‘hi.’ That’s alright. Make your street a low-pressure place with no expectations for anything other than the hope of connection. You’ll see in time that most people just want to chat and enjoy their place, making your place safe and chill for everyone is the best foundation for a good community.
• Set up a time to connect. If impromptu connections feel too scattered for you, then set up a time to meet. Inviting a neighbour for coffee or a walk can be scheduled in advance, and is a great way to look forward to being with someone you care about.
• Explore. Many of us know of a path or an alley we’ve not yet walked along. Take the detour and check out your community from a new angle.
• Being a neighbour is free. It should not cost much to be a neighbour. We do not need to impress. Think of connections in your neighbourhood as a gift of your time, not your money. You can be generous in new ways, and a generous life of time shared can is a rich life, shared.
• Ask for help. Being in community is a mutual activity. We are not always able to give, sometimes we need help, too. Asking for a cup of sugar can be strange when we might just find it easier to drive to the store. However when we ask for help we remind each other that we’re in this together, and most of us are more than happy to be included – even in a baking project.
• Remind people of your name. After two years of Covid, we might be embarrassed that we’ve forgotten the names of those around us. Let people know your name, and where you live, reintroduce yourself. Sharing small details of your life opens doors, and makes our community come alive.
In small ways we can re-connect, and every great neighbourhood starts with the smallest ‘hello.’
