by hopefulneighbo | Jul 18, 2023 | Getting to Know Your Neighbors, How-to, Imagine the Possibilities
Storytelling is as old as time. It’s how we share our history, wisdom, and experience with the world. Elders across the generations use storytelling to pass on the things they know, the things they’ve seen, and the mysteries still to be explored by those who are...
by hopefulneighbo | Jun 27, 2023 | Getting to Know Your Neighbors, How-to, Neighborhood Well-being
If you’ve ever had a new family move in near your home, you’ve had the chance to give them a welcome kit or welcome basket of some type. Do not miss the opportunity to welcome a new neighbor! I recently heard from a family that moved and was not welcomed by their...
by hopefulneighbo | Jun 6, 2023 | Getting to Know Your Neighbors
While we may send out blanket event invitations to people in our neighborhood, the reality is the space we create communicates to folks if they belong or not. Here are five things to consider when hosting an inclusive neighborhood potluck dinner or event. 1. A Clear...
by hopefulneighbo | May 30, 2023 | Getting to Know Your Neighbors, Imagine the Possibilities, Neighborhood Well-being, Pursue the Common Good
I grew up mowing lawns in my hometown of Ash Grove, Missouri. My dad provided me with a riding and trim mower that I could use to mow other yards, that is, if I cut our lawn when asked—and without complaint. For seven years, I had ten yards within a half-mile of my...
by hopefulneighbo | Apr 28, 2023 | Getting to Know Your Neighbors, Imagine the Possibilities, Neighborhood Well-being
My neighborhood is waking up after the slumber of winter. The smell of pork steaks cooking over charcoal, heavy bass lines thumping from open cars windows, neighbor kids laughing during a game of tag. Peanut and Lucy are on their stoop, greeting passersby—and all...
by hopefulneighbo | Nov 22, 2022 | Getting to Know Your Neighbors, Imagine the Possibilities
“Come over tomorrow for hot cider and donuts!” a simple, last-minute invitation pinged on my phone. It was from some neighbors. They had spent the autumn afternoon texting neighbors and delivering paper invitations to neighbors they didn’t have the phone numbers for....
