Walk in the park, shop locally

DOWN THE hall from a classroom where I am teaching this semester is a poster
which lists 100 ideas under the heading "How to build community." Seeing that
poster has gotten me thinking about additional ways to sustain and renew the
communities in which we live. I came up with seven ideas:

1. Walk around your block.
A long time ago, I had a neighbor who would walk around the block almost every
evening around 10 pm. She and her husband -- and their two dogs -- would circle
the block. That's how they got to know the comings and goings of everyone. We
called her "the mayor" of the block because of this accumulated knowledge. Now,
as the weather starts to warm up, is a great time to start doing this on your block.

2. Shop at locally-owned stores.
These are the businesses which add stability and personality to our community.
All over town there are delightful businesses waiting to be discovered. Take an
afternoon to explore what's out there.

3. Do something with your block.
It could be as simple as planning a similar seasonal decoration for every door.
Or it could be as elaborate as organizing a progressive dinner.

4. Introduce yourself to a new neighbor.
Invite them over to see you or take them out for coffee. You might even consider
reviving the almost lost art of welcoming them with a hot dish or dessert.

5. Ride the bus.
If you drive your car all the time, you're missing a slice of our town. A bus
ride -- even on a free downtown shuttle -- will introduce you to people you
would otherwise never meet. Don't have bus service in your community? Consider
taking on the assignment to change that.

6. Acknowledge young people.
When I talk with young people, they often ask me why adults move away from them
at street corners and bus stops. There's a gap there which you can help bridge.
Young people want to be recognized, so take a moment to say hi the next time you
pass a teenager.

7. Go to the park.
There's nothing like a stroll through one of the city parks to restore one's
sanity. Every community has at least one. Many have several -- one for whatever
mood you might be in.

I'm sure you have many other ideas for building community. Send them along and
they'll be shared with other readers. Or post them at the Coffee and Community
weblog: http://coffeeandcommunity.blogspot.com.