Safe and Happy Neighorhoods

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Some time ago I sat with a city councilmember and other members of the community to discuss how we might improve our neighborhoods.

“We need more police presence in our neighborhoods,” someone suggested right away. Most everyone agreed.

I sat back in my seat and listened to their argument. When they were finished discussing the idea of increasing the police force in an effort to curb the crime, speeding, and other safety issues in our community, I sat up in my seat and said, “That’s an interesting perspective. What if, however, we were to approach the problems in our community from another angle.”

All eyes were on me. I mean, what other angle could there possibly be, right?

“What if we were to engage more with those around us in a way that we could prevent future problems from arising?”

Now I really had their attention. “What exactly do you mean?” they asked.

I shared ideas on how we as individuals and families might engage more fully with those in our neighborhood, thereby reducing future problems and eliminating the need for more police presence. The feedback was positive:

“That’s an amazing perspective.”

“Fantastic ideas!”

“Why didn’t I think of that?”

“I’m going to start doing some of those things myself!”

Now I ask you, “What if we knew that the young boy down the street had no father figure in his life and was headed down the wrong path in life. Rather than watching the all-too-familiar scene unfold: a life of crime that often ends in prison, could not a father or grandfather step forward to fill the role of a father figure in the boy’s life, thereby increasing the chance of a positive outcome?”

If we knew that the individual down the street was dealing with overwhelming health problems and was, therefore, unable to maintain her yard, rather than reporting her to the HOA, could we not gather together a group of willing individuals to offer assistance with yard work on occasion?

If we dislike the grumpy neighbors on our street, could we not remember that everyone has a story to tell, meaning that everyone’s life circumstances have led them to where they are today. There is no telling the pain, sorrow, and difficulty others have faced in the past. Can we not look at them with new eyes, give them the benefit of the doubt, and shout out a cheery hello the next time we pass them on the street?

If a new neighbor moves in, rather than avoiding eye contact, can we not stop by and welcome them to the neighborhood?

Can we not wave when driving by, smile and say “hello” when walking by, and sit down to visit on occasion?

Can we not rely less on the city, and more on ourselves?

Each act, no matter how small, makes a difference. We can begin today to start moving in the right direction.

Here are some more ideas:

Connect people in the community (especially youth) to activities or programs that help them find positive ways to spend their spare time. After-school programs, tutoring centers, part-time work, and volunteer opportunities go a long way toward keeping youths and adolescents away from negative influences.

Create and distribute a list of local organizations that can provide counseling, job training, guidance, and other services that could benefit people in the community.

Clean up the neighborhood! Organizing a neighborhood clean up is great way to get people out of the house, and working together around a common cause. Buildings with broken windows, abandoned cars, and even litter send a message to criminals that the community has become complacent.

Start a weekly discussion group. It can be as minimal as a regular gathering at a neighbor’s house to share ideas and communicate with each other about what you see going on in the community. This also provides great opportunities to update your neighbors on your current schedule, or let them know if you’ll be out of town.

Set up a Neighborhood Watch. A trusted neighbor who keeps a vigilant eye on your home is one of the best crime deterrents there is.

As members of our community, it is the responsibility of each one of us to step forward and make our neighborhoods a safer, happier, and better place to live.

If only there were more compassion in the world, it would solve so many of our problems.

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LOOKING FOR MORE WAYS TO GET INVOLVED?

1. Stay outside in the front yard longer while watering the yard

2. Walk your dog regularly around the same time in your neighborhood

3. Sit on the front porch and letting kids play in the front yard

4. Do a food drive or coat drive in winter and get neighbors involved

5. Invite neighbors over for dinner

6. Art swap night – bring out what you’re tired of and trade with neighbors

7. Attend the parties invited to by neighbors

8. Grow a garden and give out extra produce to neighbors

9. Invite your neighbors to serve along with you for a local cause in your community