Outreach Opportunity Ideas

Outreach Opportunity Ideas

1. Welcome new people who move in on your street 

Take them some goodies and a “Welcome to the Neighbourhood” card. Just walk right over and introduce yourself. Take the initiative! It is hard the first time but after that it gets easier. A half-century ago, it was the social norm to welcome new neighbours to the community. We need to revitalize this practice. It is a wonderful way to cement new friendships.

2. Get outside

This is not going to happen much in the winter months but spring through autumn have many sunny days. Getting outside is a great way to meet your neighbours. Grow a garden in your front yard, sit and read on your front porch, and play with your kids outside. The more your neighbours see you, the more comfortable they will feel in talking with you.

3. Take the initiative and organize something

• Set a date to invite a couple of neighbours over to play board games or cards.
• Organize a community book-lending library.
• Organize a canning group for summertime canning.
• Start a community garden on an empty lot. [Get permission first from the owner.]
• Invite your neighbours over for coffee or evening refreshments on the patio.
• Organize a neighbourhood dinner swap.
• Start a weekly C.S. Lewis Book Club in your home. Advertise it in the local paper.
• Start a weekly Chess Club or fly-tying group.
• Begin a Neighbourhood Bible Discussion group in your home. Make up a flyer and invite all the neighbours on your street. Serve coffee and a dessert.
• [For those in the US] join your local Neighbourhood Watch. Become a block captain. Hold the monthly meetings in your home.
• In April bake up a bunch of homemade chocolate-chip cookies and take a dozen to each family on your block with a “Happy Easter” card.

4. Get some exercise

Go out for a walk or run. Walk your dogs. Go for a bike ride. The more you can get out of your house, the more you are going to see your neighbours. Do not make excuses, just do it. I promise the new relationships you are going to make will be worth the effort you put into them.

5. Volunteer in the community

• Volunteer at “Meals on wheels” or “Loaves and Fishes” to take food to elderly folks and shut-ins.
• Volunteer to be a reading tutor at one of your local schools.
• Attend the community meeting every month and get involved.
• Start attending the PTA meetings at your children’s school and get involved.
• Become a volunteer at the local library. 

6. Join a club

Think about what interests you, whether it is a sport, such as hiking or skiing or walking; or a hobby, such as reading, gardening, investments, or photography. Most larger towns and cities have a wide variety of clubs from which to choose. Check the local paper and websites for upcoming events or news of clubs in the area.

7. Take a class

A great place to start looking would be at the Community Centre. Painting, languages, or even belly-dancing can not only teach you some new skills but will help you get acquainted with people in the neighbourhood.

8. Take a risk and do something totally outrageous

Drop in at the Penguin Tavern for tacos on Tuesday. Start conversations and make friends. Or become a fan of your local sports team and go to the games and cheer loudly.