5 Ways to be a Great Neighbour

This article was sent in by John Parent (700 Block).

Does this community get a pass or failing grade? What do you think? Your opinions are very welcome.

Turn your home base into a thriving community.
by Emily Kimber (homemakers.com)

How well do you know your neighbours? Sure, long Canadian winters keep you indoors a lot so you've hardly been standing around the yard socializing. And you've got friends, so it's not a big deal if you don't know the names of the people next door, right? Wrong, says Dr. Madine Vander Plaat, a sociology professor at St. Mary's University in Halifax. She says that getting to know your neighbours can have incredible benefits, from providing social support to a sense of belonging. "Evidence supports that being part of a community is directly related to well-being," Vander Plaat explains.
Being able to count on the people who live on either side of you sounds pretty good. Creating relationships, and in turn, a community, not only heightens your sense of identity, it also allows you to feel safe and secure, knowing there are people who care about you just a few steps away.

As nice as it sounds, getting the ball rolling can be a bit nerve-wracking. To make it easier to turn your street into a neighbourhood, take these simple steps.

1. Say hello. It seems like so little, but really, it means a lot. Just a simple greeting shows that you're open to getting to know your neighbours.

2. Make the first move. So you're shy. You're not the only one. It's scary to extend your hand in friendship when you're unsure, but you'll never know how you'll be received unless you try.

3. Be a party planner. "You need to create opportunities to bring people together," says Vander Plaat. Yard sales, street parties, and backyard barbeques -- all you need is a fun idea that will get people out of their houses. (Check out Bonnie Stern's entertaining basics and Easy entertaining for more advice.)

4. Offer your services. If you notice the family down the road is gearing up for a summer road trip, offer to water their plants or collect their mail. Opening the door for helping each other is a positive way to interact with your neighbours.

5. Discuss the issues. Whether it's the increased level of crime or the potholes in the road, call a neighbourhood meeting. Getting people together to discuss things that affect them marks you as a group.

6. Create a safe place. Neighbourhood watch programs are popular for a reason. If the neighbourhood children know where to go in case of an emergency, everyone can breathe easier about letting little ones play outside.

7. Get the whole family involved. "In the developing world, lots of communities centre around children's sports," says Vander Plaat. Organize intramurals or tournaments for the children, and create an opportunity for grownups to make connections as well.

8. Be welcoming. When someone new moves in next door, make every effort to include him or her in neighbourhood activities.

9. Be discreet. Every family has their troubles; if a neighbour confides in you, keep it to yourself. Allowing secrets to spread throughout the street is only going to ensure people stay indoors, and keep their mouths shut.

10. Get involved. Find out what's already happening in your area, and become a part of it. Once you're a part of food drives, book clubs or after-school programs (Volunteering 101: How to get started), you're more likely to be a part of what makes your community tick.

Being a social neighbour may sound scary to those who are shy, but creating a community that's welcoming, safe and fun is worth it. So, the next time you pick up the morning paper, keep your head up, look around and greet your neighbours. With just a few small gestures, the street your house is built on could become a thriving community you're happy to come home to each day.