Seems to me that a sense of belonging is something that many of us want in our lives…it’s so easy to get isolated in the busy-ness of life and the world of technology. But this neat little article, sent by Madilynn Rotar from R-U Computing, who was one of the initiators of the Lavender Lane project gives some easy ideas for simple ways to get connected with your community.
Some of them we’re already doing in some ways i.e. by coming together to solve a problem, the Lavender Lane folks have managed to get to know each other, and are now planning monthly potlucks…not just for the people on the lane, but for the neighbours in their area that want to get connected to each other.
In my own block on Irwin Street, Sydney and Pam have organized both Halloween and Canada Day events, where we have blocked the street off, and let the kids and dogs have a great time. I try to organize the odd event that allows people to stop by, get reconnected/caught up and then go on their way (or at least I talk about doing it…sorry neighbours…:)
The recent block party hosted by the folks over in the 300 block of Kennedy last Saturday is a prime example of what can happen when proactive people get connected. Pulled together in well under 2 weeks, the full-day event had a street yard sale, street games, live entertainment, a BBQ. And it was capped off as 100 kids watched movies and ate popcorn in a vacant lot, with a screen made from a wooden frame and a sheet, while their parents got to hang and enjoy the evening.
When I stopped by and talked to one of the organizers, she said that the whole event was infectious…that while it started simply as a street sale, it grew and grew as neighbours created ways to get involved. The turnout was huge, but beyond that, the sense of connection that came out of it was…as they say in the credit card commercial…priceless.
And that’s kind of how community works…often someone just needs to plant the seed and it starts to grow.
- Are there any community-building efforts in your little corner of the South End?
- Do you have any community builders that you would like to appreciate?
- Or are you new and looking to get connected to some of the community building “movers and shakers” in the neighbourhood?
- Did you help out at Lavender Lane and want a potluck invite?
If so, I’d like to hear from you!
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