How to Build Community
December15
I suppose it is no surprize to my readers that I describe myself as a hippie (both physically and philosophically). I am a peace, love and groovy, kind of person. Recently, we purchased a big old house where 5 people will live communally. I purchased a card for them to have in the house and as I reread it today, I realize that the wisdom is applicable to life itself.
How to Build Community
- turn off your TV
- leave your house
- know your neighbours
- look up when you are walking
- greet people
- sit on your front steps
- plant flowers
- play together
- use your library
- buy from local merchants
- share what you have
- help a dog
- take children to the park
- garden together
- support neighbourhood schools
- fix it even if you didn’t break it
- have pot lucks
- honour your elders
- pick up litter
- read stories aloud
- dance in the street
- talk to the letter carrier
- listen to the birds
- put up a swing
- help carry something heavy
- barter for your goods
- start a tradition
- ask a question
- hire young people for odd jobs
- organize a block party
- bake extra and share
- ask for help when you need it
- open your curtains
- sing together
- share your skills
- take back the night
- turn up the music
- turn down the music
- listen before you react in anger
- mediate a conflict
- seek to understand
- learn from new and uncomfortable angles
- know that no one is silent though many are not heard-work to change this
Kath’s quote: “Food is our common ground, a universal experience.”-James Beard