You know what they say – things aren’t what they used to be. And while we’re happy that things like technology, medicine and even fashion have moved with the times, the same can’t be said for our sense of community. My grandparents always refer back to a time when they could leave the house with the front door unlocked and pop round to visit a neighbor whenever they fancied a chat about the weather…sadly, this kind of thing is well and truly in the past.
But it doesn’t have to be. If you’re hoping to rekindle a sense of community in your neighborhood, or just make your local area a nicer and better place to live – not just for the current residents, but for future generations then all is not lost. Here I’ve rounded up 5 simple steps you can take to build a better community for your children.
Signage
Something like few customized signs dotted around the area might not sound like a big enough impact. But you’d be surprised at what a difference they can make. From things like warnings about disabled or children crossing the road, to advise about parking or polite signs like keep off the grass, the possibilities are endless, just remember to speak to your local council and others in your neighborhood before you start putting signs everywhere.
Get to know your neighbors
It’s not always easy to make the first move. It might be even more strange if you’ve lived in your area for quite some time but never spoken to anyone before. Plucking up the courage is half the battle! So, next time you take your trash to the curb and you see your neighbor, introduce yourself, strike up a conversation. Mention that you’re hoping to bring the community closer together and you’re looking for as much help as possible. If they’re not interested, they’ll let you know, but they might inform others who might be, so make the effort.
Keep it clean and tidy
A well kept neighborhood will be the envy of others. So, try to organise a litter pick with your neighbors, post flyers through their letter boxes with a date and time and see who comes to join you. It’s a great way to get to know everyone too.
Look after your property
Keeping your home in good order will also help your cause. Keeping your lawn mowed, your plant pots filled with pretty flowers and your house in good repair will encourage those around you to keep up appearances. Well looked after properties make the area more desirable and less desirable to things like crime and anti-social behavior.
Get to know your local police department
Let your local police force know what you’re hoping to achieve and they’re sure to want to help you. If there’s a problem with speeding in your area, let them know and they could arrange a speed camera or a police car to monitor the area. They could even introduce you to a neighborhood watch scheme.
