In honor of World Kindness Day, here is a little post on how to spread kindness in your Communities! With the holidays fast approaching, it is important to keep in mind the reason for the season. For some this means cooking big meals with lots of tasty treats and for others it means weekend trips to the mountains for snowshoeing and skiing. Whatever holiday you celebrate, it usually brings family, friends and maybe even neighbors together. This holiday season use these tips to help spread Community joy.
CommUNITY
Board Members should take the first step. Get out in the Community and learn the names of your neighbors; introduce yourself and start a chain reaction that invites others to visit with the neighbors around them. It is important to remember you must be proactive and encourage others to be proactive as well. With everyone’s busy schedules, meeting neighbors doesn’t always happen by accident. Especially in the winter when some neighbors prefer to hibernate.
Welcoming Committee
HOAs should engage their Community with a spirit of hospitality. New Homeowners moving into your Association is the perfect opportunity to do something right away to welcome them. Possibly start a Welcoming Committee to greet new neighbors. Spending just $5 or $10 on a flower pot, a welcome mat, or a picture frame can make someone feel special. Enlist help from local vendors for coupons or gift cards. Even a simple greeting card, refrigerator magnet, favorite recipes, or a map with local “hot spots” can be effective.
Host Events
Initiate Community events that bring neighbors together. Use the neighborhood clubhouse or meet at a local coffee shop. Start a book club, play card or board games, host a barbecue, plan a stargazing event, or have a cookie exchange.
Investing some time in these activities will help build the Community feel in your neighborhood, while also getting to know the people you live around!
