The leaders at Trinity City Church are working with Sara Joy Proppe to launch the Loving Your Neighbor(hood) Challenge. Sara Joy is the founder and director of the Proximity Project. For even more practical guidance on neighborhood engagement, listen to Sara Joy’s podcast The Embedded Church.
Whether you're new to your neighborhood or have been in the same place for a long time, it's sometimes hard to know practical ways to get to know your neighbors. Here is some guidance so that you can take the initiative to meet others in your neighborhood.
Fill out a block map. Put in your address on Google Maps and see if you can identify the names in each household around you. Who do you know and who do you need to get to know?
Spend time in your front yard once a week. If your habit is to unwind inside the house or the backyard, then try spending some time in the front yard. You may have the opportunity to meet someone new or catch up with a neighbor.
Hang out once a week at the same place / time. Go to the same coffee shop, park, etc. and meet some folks who also frequent those places.
Volunteer with a neighborhood organization. Every neighborhood in Saint Paul has organizations with different teams or committees where one can serve. Reach the non-profits, ministries, or district councils in your neighborhood and consider volunteering for one.
Participate in National Night Out on Tuesday, August 2nd. Go to the local webite (see https://www.stpaul.gov/departments/police/administration-office-chief/community-engagement-division/national-night-out) to see if your block or a block near you is participating.
Union Depot Chalk Art. | Source: City of Saint Paul