[READ-A-BIT Blog]  Tips to Turn Your Neighborhood into a Hometown Haven

CONNECTING WITH YOUR COMMUNITY    If you’re considering a move to a new city or neighborhood, you may be worried about replacing the comfort and support of family and friends you’ll leave behind. Or perhaps you have completed a move but would like to meet more people, build friendships and strengthen your support system.  Here are 10 ways you can foster in-person connections with your neighbors, make friends and get engaged in your local community.
1. JOIN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD’S SOCIAL NETWORK
A growing number of neighborhoods are utilizing private social networks like U.S.-based Nextdoor  These platforms are designed specifically to connect neighbors.  Residents post about a variety of topics, including neighborhood news, recommendations for local businesses, lost pets, etc. These platforms are a great way to stay up-to-date on what’s happening in your neighborhood, but don’t just use them to connect virtually. Extend an invitation to your neighbors to attend an in-person event, such as a park playdate for families, an informal soccer game or a potluck block party.
2. ATTEND A PLACE OF WORSHIP
If you have a religious affiliation, joining a local place of worship is great way to meet people and get involved in your community. Aside from attending services, most religious institutions also host extracurricular activities to foster fellowship among the congregation.
3. FIND AN INTEREST GROUP
Whatever your favorite hobby or pastime, you’re guaranteed to meet people who share your interests when you join an interest group!  The website Meetup.com has over 32 million members in 288,000 groups in 182 countries. You can search for a group in your area that appeals to you … from book clubs to running groups to professional networking, they have it all.   If you don’t find what you’re looking for, you can start your own group for a monthly fee. The site makes it easy to ask (or require) members to pitch in to cover the cost. It also enables you to promote a corporate sponsor on your page, so you may be able to find a local business to cover the cost.
4. LEND A HAND
Volunteering your time and talents is another good way to get engaged in your community and meet those who share a similar mission.  Most nonprofit organizations rely heavily on volunteers. Find one with a cause you’re passionate about.  There is an organization in your area that needs your talents or skills.
5. TAKE A CLASS
Taking a class is a wonderful way to develop a skill while meeting people who share your interests and passion for learning.  Whether you want to brush up on your Spanish, finish your novel, or learn how to tango.  Community programs offer inexpensive, non-credit classes on a variety of topics.  And if you are pursuing a degree, forego taking your courses online. Opt for the traditional route instead. There’s no substitute for being part of a live community of your peers.
6. ATTEND AN EVENT
Attending a live event is another way to engage with members of your community. From festivals to fundraisers to retreats, Eventbrite is a great place to search for events in your area. You can filter your search by category, event type, date and price to find something that fits your interests, schedule and budget.  Be strategic about the type of event you choose. For example, while attending a large festival might be a fun way to feel engaged with your community, it might also be harder to meet people. A retreat or a networking event may offer more opportunities for one-on-one interaction.
7. SHARE YOUR STUFF
Everyone’s talking about the rise of the “sharing economy” with the popularity of Uber and Airbnb. But there’s also been a rise in “sharing communities,” which facilitate the free exchange of goods among neighbors to reduce consumption and keep usable items out of landfills.  Nonprofit groups like The Freecycle Network are made up of people who are giving (and getting) stuff for free in their own towns and neighborhoods. Members can post “offers” of free items or “wanted” items they need.
The Little Free Library is another innovative way neighbors are participating in a sharing community. Stewards build or purchase a box to house the library and fill it with books they are willing to give away. The library is usually placed in their front yard or in a public outdoor space. Visitors are encouraged to take a book they’d like to read, and in exchange leave a book for someone else to enjoy.
8. SUPPORT A COMMUNITY GARDEN
Community gardens have become increasingly popular in both urban and rural areas across North America. Not only do they beautify a neighborhood, they also foster community, encourage self-reliance, reduce family food budgets, conserve resources, and provide opportunities for recreation and exercise.  If there isn’t one nearby, you might considering starting one.
9. CARPOOL WITH A COWORKER
In the spirit of joining a “sharing community,” carpooling offers many similar benefits. It presents an opportunity to form a bond with coworkers and/or neighbors during your daily commute. Additionally, you can save money on gas, reduce wear-and-tear on your vehicle, lower carbon emissions, and in many cities reduce your commute time by taking advantage of high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) travel lanes.
10. PARTICIPATE IN WORLD NEIGHBORS DAY
The organizers behind World Neighbors Day promote it as “an invitation to share a moment with your neighbors, to get to know each other better and develop a real sense of community.”  In the United States it’s held on the third Sunday in September. You can participate by attending or organizing a gathering in your neighborhood. Examples include: a block party, outdoor movie screening, book exchange, charity bake sale, volleyball game, etc. Anything that brings neighbors together in a fun and relaxed setting is a good choice!  Gatherings can be promoted through your neighborhood’s social media network, blog, or you can go the old-fashioned route and hand out flyers door-to-door. Whatever you do, be sure to make your gathering inclusive and welcoming to all.

BE A GOOD NEIGHBOR
As with anything in life, you will get out what you put in. It can take time to build lasting and meaningful friendships with your neighbors, but the effort you make is likely to pay off tenfold.

The tried-and-true way to make friends, expand your circle, grow your support system and get engaged in your community?  Be a good neighbor yourself.