Community is a powerful thing and sometimes the smallest things we do to better it can make a huge impact. Here are 13 ways communities have become a tight-knit circle of friends and lent a hand to each other.
1. Start a neighborhood library or book exchange
If you have some extra books lying around that you do not want anymore, create a neighborhood library where people can go for a new book. It's a great way to expand your literary explorations while sharing the opportunity with those around you. Here is a great video to watch on building a neighborhood library.
2. Pick up litter
Help your neighborhood look visually appealing by picking up litter you find on the ground. Make it a family event by going on a walk and whomever picks up the most trash gets to choose a movie for everyone to watch when you get back home. Or make it a competition between different households - each family can pick a street and see who can pick up the most or who can clean up the fastest (and it's easy to socially distance while doing so!).
3. Create a community Facebook group
Stay connected with those around you by creating a community Facebook group. It's a great way to keep up on any events, ask questions, find recommendations, and more.
4. Start a block watch
Coordinate an effort to keep your neighborhood safe by creating a neighborhood watch group. Click here to view steps on creating a watch group and registering it with the National Neighborhood Watch Association.
5. Share your skills
Are you a handyman, gardener or excel at a specific school subject? Ask those in your neighborhood if they are needing assistance in your area of expertise. If there's multiple people interested in learning something, offer to teach a Zoom class!
6. Maintain the outside of your home
Visually appealing homes improve the look of your neighborhood. Pulling weeds, planting flowers, and painting the outside of your home are a few ways to improve it's curb appeal.
6. Buy solar panels together
If you can’t afford your own solar panels, see if your whole neighborhood would be interested in buying solar panels together. Solar companies offer discounts for groups who purchase in bulk, and it can benefit your whole community.
7. Create an emergency preparedness plan for your neighborhood
If something as simple as a power outage occurs, it’s nice to know who you can ask for help or who in your neighborhood will need additional assistance. A common meeting place, designated people with supplies, and the best way to communicate with everyone are good places to start. If a worse disaster should occur, you’ll be ready for that, too.
8. Plant a tree
Perhaps a gentleman at the end of the street needs help with his landscaping, or there’s a house that could use some trees or plants. Whatever the circumstances, planting a tree or landscaping together can build a sense of community as everyone works together.
9. Shop local
You’ll get a chance to learn of the hidden talents or small businesses right on your block. Maybe your neighbor is also a bee keeper or sells produce out of their garden, and if you shop at local grocery stores and boutiques, you’re more likely to see some familiar faces!
10. Build a community garden
Put your green thumb to use in a way that benefits members in your community! Create a sign up sheet for other members to volunteer pruning, watering, and picking the fruits and veggies.
11. Be respectful of your neighbors
Clean up after your dog and make sure to keep them leashed while out walking. Also, be cognizant of your noise level when playing loud music or having a small gathering.
12. Celebrate the kiddos in your neighborhood
Whether that's delivering a birthday card, creating a chalk obstacle course on your sidewalk, or supporting their entrepreneurial spirit by buying some lemonade, let the kids in your neighborhood know that their neighbors care about them.
13. Offer support to neighbors that might need more assistance
Maybe a neighbor is recovering from surgery, struggling with mobility or dealing with other life challenges and could use an extra set of hands. Offer to help mow their lawn in the summer or shovel snow in the winter. You can also ask if they may need help with any home repairs/ maintenance or shopping for groceries.