Clever Ways to
UPKEEP YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD ADAM GANT
FIGURING OUT HOW TO OBTAIN A MORE ENJOYABLE NEIGHBORHOOD COMMUNITY FOR YOU OR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY IS ACTUALLY QUITE SIMPLE.
Start to get to know your neighbors. Just by simply interacting with the people you live near can significantly strengthen your community and spur organization. Here are tips on how to make your neighborhood community feel more like home.
PAINT YOUR INTERSECTION Usually, when you think of interesting you don’t think of an intersection. But residents in Portland in some neighborhoods have made them worth stopping for. All you need is some paint, creative people, and a bright design to get started. This is all it takes to bring neighbors together and produce something the whole community can be proud of.
MAKE A POETRY BOX This idea is simple and does not take too much time at all. Start by creating a box with a clear or plastic front. Put this box on a post and write your own poem or print out your favorite classic. Then display it in the box for all your neighbors to see. Another option is setting up a separate dropbox and encouraging neighbors to write their own poems and drop them in the box. Then post the poems from the neighbors as they come in.
CREATE A TOOL LIBRARY When you randomly need items such as a leaf blower or a chainsaw or even an electric cake mixer, a tool library is definitely an option. Tool libraries create a space where neighbors can donate rarely used appliances to share. To find a space for a tool library, check with a local business, community center or church group.
SET UP A BOOK LIBRARY Turn old and unused pay phones into small lending libraries. This concept was developed by John Locke in New York City. Encourage both children and adults to participate, and you can cultivate a sense of community within your neighborhood.
TURN YOUR FRONT YARD INTO YOUR BACKYARD You rarely, if ever run into your neighbors in your backyard right? Well, moving your typical backyard activity to the front instantly makes you more visible and approachable. You can establish a front yard garden, build community benches or even barbecue in your front yard to connect with your neighbors.
FINDING WAYS TO IMPROVE YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD IS SIMPLE. IDENTIFY HOW YOUR COMMUNITY WOULD BENEFIT THE MOST AND ACT ON THIS DISCOVERY!
THANK YOU! Visit AdamGant.org for more information.