Every month, I write an article for approximately 30-60 community newsletters for Austin, San Antonio, Houston, and Dallas areas. Usually the topic is on health and fitness, but the article I wrote for June newsletters was about ways to plug into your community. Here it is.
(For previous health and fitness articles, visit my blog at http://www.livefitaustin.com/lfa-blog.htm and look for "Articles by Sarah" under "Categories" on the right.)
Community Changes Lives
by Sarah S. Jordan, MS
In late April, I was fortunate enough to be a small part of an incredible event in my neighborhood called “BBQ4JD.” (Click here.) The theme on the back of the event t-shirts read “Community Changes Lives,” and I don’t think any other words could have summed it up better than those three words did.
What I witnessed was a large community coming together to support a child and family with love, donations, many hugs, and ongoing prayers. I could not believe how many people, children, volunteers, and businesses came out to contribute their time, energy, and love to the event. It definitely showed the true colors and generosity of this neighborhood and the wonderful people that live here.
I have lived in this neighborhood for almost two years, and have to say that I feel very fortunate to be part of such a great community. Through family time at the pool on weekends, attending business networking meetings, offering free women and stroller fitness classes, attending holiday events, and volunteering at a few things, great connections have been made and a large community feels much smaller to me.
This got me thinking… what are some ways that we can all get more plugged into our neighborhoods?
Here are some great ways to do just that.
Volunteer. Neighborhoods / communities put on so many great events throughout the year, and there are always volunteer opportunities and ways to get more involved.
Donate. If you own a business or have a product that could be helpful to an event or silent auction, donate your time and/or an auction item. As they say, you have to give in order to receive, and there is so much to be gained in the spirit of giving to others. I cannot tell you how many incredible people I have been fortunate enough to meet through the giving of my time and services.
Read the community newsletter each month. A great deal of time and energy is spent in creating those newsletters, and they are a great way to stay updated on what is happening around you and to connect with the members, events, and local businesses in your community.
See if your neighborhood does email announcements, and if they do, sign up for them. They are really helpful, keep you connected to events coming up, and they usually never overfill your inbox. If you live in Circle C, visit http://www.circlecranch.info to sign up.
Get moving together. Start a running or walking group. Plan a fun run/walk for parents and their children in your area to promote being active.
Find people with similar interests and join or form a group, whether that is a book club, moms group, or business-networking group. So much is gained from partnerships and networking.
Welcome newcomers. Within a day or two of moving in, one of my neighbors had already showered us with free ice cream coupons to his shop. And other neighbors had already given us their cell phone numbers in case we needed anything. A little bit goes a long ways in making people feel welcome.
Plan a potluck for your neighbors on your street once a year. Food + Families = Fun!
If you're out running or walking, be sure to smile and maybe even wave at other people you pass. It sure makes the world seem more friendly when people do this. I suppose you can take the girl out of the Midwest, but you can't take the Midwest out of the girl...
What ever you find to work for you and your family in getting involved, may you find immeasurable enjoyment from your efforts.
