How to Build Community
Turn off your tv. Leave your house.
Know your neighbors.
Look up when you are walking.
Greet people. Sit on your stoop.
Plant flowers.
Use your library. Play together.
Buy from local merchants.
Share what you have.
Help a lost dog.
Take children to the park.
Garden together.
Support neighborhood schools.
Fix it even if you didn't break it.
Have potlucks. Honor elders.
Pick up litter. Read stories aloud.
Dance in the street.
Talk to the mail carrier.
Listen to the birds. Put up a swing.
Help carry something heavy.
Barter for your goods.
Start a tradition. Ask a question.
Hire young people for odd jobs.
Organize a block party.
Bake extra and share.
Ask for help when you need it.
Open your shades. Sing together.
Share your skills.
Take back the night.
Turn up the music.
Turn down the music.
Listen before you react to anger.
Mediate a conflict.
Seek to understand.
Learn from new and uncomfortable angles.
Know that no one is silent though many are not heard.
Work to change this.
~Syracuse Cultural Workers 1998
I enjoyed reading this list...Thankfully, I am fortunate to live in a very small town where we are either all related or have been very close to our neighbors for a very long time. This is a Blessing.
ReplyDeleteI love the "small town vibe" & hope to get back into the city when we downsize, one of these days. I would love to live by a church so I could hear the church bells. xoxo
DeleteWow, so many wonderful suggestions. Ones I would not have thought of!
ReplyDeleteMe either, Ginny. xoxo
DeleteWhat a great list!
ReplyDeleteI thought so too, Mari. xoxo
DeleteI should print this and send a copy to all my neighbors.
ReplyDelete*bahahaha* Now that's a grand idea, Ann! xoxo
DeleteAll good advice!
ReplyDeleteI thought so too, Jeanette. xoxo
DeleteBrilliant! Thank you for this Andrea. Great advice :)
ReplyDeleteWouldn't it be nice if everyone did these. The world would be a friendlier place that's for sure. :)
ReplyDeleteGreat ideas for everyone:)
ReplyDelete