As shared with us by Chet: In 2017, I received a pledge card at a Columbus Foundation “Big Table” event. The prompt read: My Commitment: To create a strong and connected community, I will…
My answer was, “Start by connecting my neighbors.” That one small challenge led me to organize casual, social, monthly mixers on my block where we rotated houses, and broke bread together. We made reusable name tags with icebreakers like where you were from, your street and the year you moved to the block. That spirit has grown from a curious passion to become a calling that I now consider where I want to dedicate my life’s work.
Since then, hundreds of neighbors have come together for winter white elephant gift exchanges, bonfires, front porch & backyard concerts, street-closing block parties, chess tournaments and so much more. When neighbors connect with each other, we discover that we have so much more in common than we realize and that our differences add invaluable diversity. We’re stronger and better together. I’ve learned that our immediate neighbors are all too often the most untapped, unrecognized and undervalued assets on most blocks in most neighborhoods across this country. But when activated, we can become one of the best real-world, social support and safety network for each other.
Connecting with our neighbors has enriched my life to no end. When neighbors get to know each other, they start acting like friends and will inevitably look after one another like family. In fact, my wife and I affectionately refer to our next door landlord as “Dad.” And he fits the bill in every sense when he looks out for, leans on and cares for us as much as we do him. In my front window, I have a little white board that paraphrases one of President John F. Kennedy’s famous quotes, “Ask not what your neighbors can do for you, but what you can do for your neighbors.”
In that spirit, I’ve challenged myself every day to be a good neighbor. Whether it’s picking up trash, setting out a water bowl for dogs, asking to borrow a tool, or just taking a walk and greeting people with a smile and a wave, even the smallest actions create ripples that inspire more neighbors to care for each other. I am reminded of this fact when Alejandro helps our elderly neighbor salvage stone curbs for his backyard, when Dave gives Mary a ride to her doctor’s appointment, or when the Westras pet sit for Julie’s dog. So I invite you to be the change you want to see in this world by starting to connect with the neighbors on your own block. And don’t be surprised when everyone’s lives are happier, healthier and safer 🙂
