One of the greatest predictors of overall health for individuals is a sense of community and belonging. Most people want to feel like they’re part of something larger than themselves. They want friends, they want to know their neighbors, and they want to be involved. And a community with involved, engaged citizens is a thriving one. But it can be hard to foster community connection in these busy times, so here are a few tips to get started.
1. Organize Playground Meetups
Parenthood can be a lonely, isolating journey when you don’t have friends and family close by. And if you don’t know anyone with children the same age, you may be wondering how to find them. You might try visiting local parks and playgrounds, but other people often come with friends in tow. So, there you sit, on the outside, wondering how to break in and make friends. And your kid might feel the same way.
When you organize a playground meetup specifically for kids and parents to meet each other, you are more likely to connect. Adults will show up open to making friends. Children will arrive and do what kids do — jump on the kids swing sets, climb structures, and bond over being young. Try joining a local Facebook group for your city or talk to someone at city hall about putting the word out. Then show up with your best, friendly smile and make friends!
2. Plan Neighborhood Potlucks
One way people have been bonding and forming relationships for generations is over food. Breaking bread is a great pathway to conversation, new experiences, and a happy tummy. Many people have forgotten the art and joy of the potluck in light of takeout and drive-thrus. They’re busy! The good news is that many people are hungry for connection, so they’re more likely to make time to prepare a dish to share.
Plan well in advance, at least one month, talk to the city about getting the space at a local park, and put out notices. Let people know what foods are appropriate to bring and have a sign-up list. Then ask for volunteers to bring picnic utensils like napkins, forks, and plates.
Choose a spot with lots of picnic benches and a day with good weather. Then, generate excitement by posting on your city’s Facebook page and getting lots of signage at the location.
3. Start a Softball Team
Sports is another avenue for getting people together at the same spot, laughing and chatting over commonalities. Softball is one of the most American sports, and it’s relatively easy, and contact-free, to play. Many cities or counties have a local recreational team, but yours may not. Be sure to check with your city to find out. Again, in many cities, these types of activities have fallen by the wayside as communities have grown farther apart.
If your city does have a rec softball team, you can either join the team or generate interest in your community by gathering at local games. If it doesn’t, get involved in starting one up. Talk to your city about funding a softball team. You’ll need scorekeepers, referees, and equipment. Then, invite local players to join, pick a sports field, and make a schedule. You can also have a snack bar and fun activities for kids while the adults run the bases and cheer each other on.
4. Invite the Community to a Swap Meet
A few decades ago, garage sales, flea markets, and swap meets were a regular part of community life. People would jump in their cars and go hunting for other people’s treasures. Or, they would offer up their own bargains. But it’s more rare now to find people out on their lawns on Saturday mornings, gathering at farmer’s markets, and negotiating prices. Many adults today have no recollection of those times, even though they’re so good for you!
But you can bring them back and bring people together at a community swap meet. Swap meets are fun because they’re like giant garage sales everyone can get involved in. Call your city to discuss an ideal location, and then generate interest with your neighbors. Post on Facebook, hang flyers at city hall and in parks, and talk to people when you’re out and about. You can get your community to bring their treasures and set up a booth on a sunny weekend.
5. Celebrate the Holidays
Finally, and perhaps most obviously, plan holiday celebrations in your community. While most kids still trick or treat and take pictures with Santa, there aren’t a ton of family functions in many communities around the holidays. Some people find certain holidays divisive, and others just don’t make the time to go to a local event. As America becomes more diverse, it can feel like its citizens don’t have as much in common anymore.
But the reality is that many people still want to get out and celebrate together. You can organize a holiday food drive, a Halloween festival, or a 4th of July barbecue at a local park or community center. It doesn’t have to revolve around any one religion or denomination. Easter can be a secular holiday, too, and Christmas takes place along with many other religious celebrations. Remind people that the central theme is love, kindness, and sharing space. And watch them show up.
There are many ways to foster community connection through family-oriented spaces. And most cities across America have those spaces ready for gatherings. It’s just a matter of will and effort. If you’re up for an adventure, start talking to the people at your parks and rec department. Talk to your friends, neighbors, and store owners.
You can build community in no time, and your city, and so many people within it, will be grateful you did.