Lately we all talk about rescue the community, of the importance of ties with our environment and of doing more for the people around us. But talk about the value of community work, although it is important to put it on the map, it is not doing community work. It is very easy to post on our social networks that we should get involved because it only takes us half a minute, but getting really involved is an effort that many times, even if we are willing to do it, we don’t know where to start.
Here are 10 ways you can start building ties to your community and building support networks that are likely to inspire others to join:
1. Attend neighborhood assemblies. Find out what the neighborhood needs and initiatives are in the place where you live. Participate in discussion and decision making. Also, try to learn the history of your neighborhood or neighborhood and the names of its parks and monuments.
2. Meet the authorities of your community. Do you know the name of the representative/congressman from your district? Do you know his proposals and the agenda he is promoting? Find out!
3. Introduce yourself to your neighbors. Today many people prefer to look the other way rather than greet their neighbors, and they don’t even know their names. Restore community ties with an act as simple as saying «Hello.»
4. Join your community activities. Participate in collections, garbage collection, improvement campaigns, etc. Don’t be the neighbor looking out the window. Go out and connect with people.
5. Volunteer. Once you’ve identified the needs of your community, volunteer to meet them. Help paint the facades, fix the gardens, pressure the authorities to improve the lighting and cover the potholes, and so on.
6. Start a community garden. This is one of the best ways to create bonds between people in a community and, furthermore, planting an urban garden is one of the most satisfying and best rewarded endeavors.
7. Get in the spirit of local celebrations. Become the neighbor who always has a treat and a smile on the Day of the Dead or Halloween; donate a piñata for the children during the Christmas posadas or buy a bagel to share on Three Kings Day.
8. Organize a collection to help homeless people. Ask your neighbors to donate clothes, shoes and blankets in good condition to help people living on the streets. Collect them and deliver them yourself or take them to a shelter.
9. Eat local products. He prefers to buy in markets or businesses in your community than in supermarket chains. Support local businesses whenever possible.
10. Visit neighbors who live alone. If you know of a neighbor who lives alone, visit them at least once a week. If it is an elderly person, offer to help them do their shopping or repair things in their house.
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