Start something in your neighborhood

Have you ever thought "I wish I/we knew more people in the neighborhood" or "I/We never see people in the neighborhood"? Even if you live in a suburban cul de sac and are tight with your close neighbors, what about the rest of the neighborhood?

For the past several years, my wife and I have organized and thrown a neighborhood BBQ. The response has been fantastic, as we take over a low-traffic street and let the kids run crazy (and there are a lot of them) while the parents and neighbors eat, drink, and socialize. Not only do folks get to meet each other, but you end up generating a nice neighborhood "roster" for communications and services (pet sitting, babysitting). It also builds more neighborhood cohesiveness and goodwill. It also gives the local police department a chance to come out and address the neighbors and talk about what they are doing for us (and the kids dig the police car). And it's just fun to do.

Too much work to set this up? Not really. Distribute flyers, organize enough tables, make sure you have a place to hold it, and off you go. Ask a few friends to help and give input (we do!). Bottom line is, the value you will bring to your neighborhood by making the effort will far outweigh the time setting this up. What's holding you back from making a difference?