FRYEBURG: Building a Strong Sense of Community

   With the global world today, it is important for people to feel connected to one another.  Building a good support network with your neighbors can be of great value in creating a strong sense of community in Fryeburg .

July 4th Bradley Park, Fryeburg Maine

   On a cool October weekend, neighbors outside on the front lawn are sharing hugs after one person asked for one and it got passed along. A neighbor had offered to power rake the yards as they had rented one and before everyone knew it, people were out raking up the dead grass, chatting and sharing moments together. This feeling of being connected is something all people need and look for in their lives. A sense of human connection, knowing that another person cares, supports and looks out for them. Yet in many communities this does not exist. People do not associate or even know their neighbors much less come out hugging and supporting them.

   The Importance of Community Belonging

   According to a recent article - Psychological Sense of Community, it is important for people, especially parents and children, to have that sense of belonging, that sense of community support within neighborhoods. Yet with dual income families, regular activities, and rise in technology the general human contact people used to experience daily with neighbors has diminished or become non existent.
   With the global nature of societies, extended family does not necessarily live nearby anymore, so it is even more important to be able to tap into a local support network.

   10 Easy Ways to Develop a Sense of Community in the Neighborhood

   Getting to know the neighbors is not as hard as one might think. These simple actions or gestures will be sure to let people know that one is interested in getting to know them and forging a relationship that will be beneficial to all.

1. Smile and wave. This simple gesture will start the ball rolling. Whenever one is outside and sees a neighbor do it. They will most likely smile and wave back.
2. Host a party. Whether it be a Tupperware, dessert, BBQ or simply coffee create an opportunity for people to get together and get to know each other. Most people will attend and be pleased with the invite.
3. Offer help. If one notices that a neighbor is packing up for a trip, offer to water their lawn, collect their mail or whatever task they may need looking after while they are away.
4. Be welcoming.If a new neighbor moves in, make sure to include them in neighborhood activities or events.
5. Be discreet. If a neighbor shares a confidentiality know to keep it to oneself. Spreading rumors is an instant way to keep people indoors and their mouths shut.
6. Go outside. Do things out in the yard, whether it is playing with the kids, gardening, raking the lawn. If one is visible often then people will find them to be more approachable.
7. Organize kid's activities. A good way to get to know the adults is through the kids. Plan intramurals, tournaments or a kid's fun day. This is a great way to get everyone out and to make connections with the adults
8. Watch out for each other. Building a sense of security in the neighborhood is important. Whether it be through neighborhood watch programs, or simply offering to keep on eye on things when people are away, creating a safe place where the kids can go out and play safely, or notice when a new face comes into the neighborhood creates a sense of security for everyone.
9. Be spontaneous. Invite the neighbor over for coffee on a moment's notice, or ask them to join you in an activity. People find spontaneity to be exciting and adventurous and one may find with certain neighbors that that is what works best. Don't be discouraged if they say no thank you. Ask another time, people will recognize the willingness to build a relationship.
10. Get involved. Find out what is going on in the community and take part. Whether it is food drives, special events, etc. being part of these events will help one to know what makes the community tick and will help a person become more visible in the community.

   The most important thing to remember is to be patient. People may be shy or unsure depending on their personality and past experiences. Good strong relationships take time to develop and a little bit of effort. Don't be discouraged if people say no at first, let go of the outcome and keep asking; eventually they will come around.

   Benefits of Creating a Community

   Having a support network within the neighborhood is beneficial to all. Benefits include positive child development, cleaner, friendlier, and safer public spaces, economic prosperity and overall health. A Community Health Survey showed that "people with a strong sense of community are more likely to report being in good health, than those that have a weak sense of community."

   People with a high sense of community are also more likely to have ties with other individuals and are less likely to feel isolated and alone. So get out there and establish good relationships with the neighbors.

   One never knows when he may need help from borrowing an egg, to watching the kids for a short time. People need support and confidence in life and many people find it comforting to know that they can count on a neighbor to help if the need arises.