August 19, 2017

Quote of the Week

"All of us at some time or other need help. Whether we're giving or receiving help, each one of us has something valuable to bring to this world. That's one of the things that connects us as neighbors--in our own way, each one of us is a giver and a receiver." --Fred Rogers

10 Ways To Build A Close Neighborhood

Many people look back with nostalgia to the neighborhoods they grew up in, and lament that modern life lacks "neighborly" connections. Especially for families with kids growing up away from relatives and old friends, building a close-knit community in your own backyard can make life so much richer and build lasting friendships. How can you connect with neighbors and build community right where you live? Read here for practical tips on getting to know your neighbors and co-creating this type of space.

Reading Corner

Title: Be My Neighbor
Author: Maya Ajmera
Recommended Ages: 3-9

"This beautifully crafted book explores the concept of community, using well-chosen words from the late Mr. Rogers as a starting point: "Neighbors are people who care about and help each other. Sometimes they live in the same real neighborhood. But they can also be 'neighbors' even if they live far away." Illustrated with bright, beautiful full-color photos of children around the world, the gorgeous spreads are organized by themes, including homes, schools, places of worship, recreational areas, transportation, celebrations, and sharing responsibilities to improve your neighborhood and the lives of those who live there. With photos depicting everything from an open-air Mexican market to a Guatemalan village to a Hanukkah celebration in the U.S., this book celebrates diversity, all the while emphasizing our overarching similarities."
-- Kathleen Kelly MacMillan, Maryland School for the Deaf

Be the Change

Reflect on how you are both a giver and a receiver in your own neighborhood community. Discuss with your children how you can create changes you'd like to see in your own backyard.

Organize a back-to-school neighborhood party in your street to meet your neighbors -- everyone brings a dish and you can host it in your driveway/front yard/street/local park!   Visit an older person in your neighborhood and have your kids help them out with chores or bake/cook for them. Offer to host a Friday night movie get together for families and keep it simple.

For more ideas, visit this blog and if you'd like to share some of your ideas for building community, please add a comment to the blog post!