Good Neighbor Day and Being a Member of Society
Kindness goes a long way and begins at home! Today is good neighbor day — the perfect opportunity to get to know those in your community and to recognise the importance of helping one another. In today’s blog, we’ll highlight how to be a beneficial member of society — no matter how small your actions. Plus, touch on the benefits of community.
How to Be a Good Neighbor
First of all, what is a neighbor? Well, simply, it is a person who lives in your neighborhood. This area is a geographically localised community within a larger city, town, suburb or rural area. In other words, the people you have considerable face-to-face interaction with throughout the day. They are the personal setting and situations where residents seek realise common values, socialise youth, and maintain effective social control.
Becky Mattson of Montana created National Good Neighbor Day in the early 1970s. Former President Jimmy Carter issued Proclamation 4601 supporting this observance:
“As our Nation struggles to build friendship among the peoples of this world, we are mindful that the noblest human concern is concern for others. Understanding, love and respect build cohesive families and communities. The same bonds cement our Nation and the nations of the world. For most of us, this sense of community is nurtured and expressed in our neighborhoods where we give each other an opportunity to share and feel part of a larger family…I call upon the people of the United States and interested groups and organisations to observe such day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.”
– President Jimmy Carter, 1978
Our Tips
So, what are some way you can do this?
- Offer kindness. Even a small compliment goes a long way. Additionally, be open-minded to neighbors with different cultures and life experiences to your own. You never know how someone got to where they are today.
- Share your bounty. Do you have extra produce in your garden? Or love baking more than you can eat? Then, gift your community with this surplus!
- Throw an informal celebration. Have a pot-luck style buffet to get the neighborly spirit going.
- Ask for help. One of the best ways to form bonds is to ask for help or for an opinion. People like to feel like their thoughts are valued and respected — even with something as simple as a pet care recommendation.
The Importance of Community
Being a good neighbor doesn’t just benefit others, it also benefits ourselves. Not only does kind promote kindness, but a sense of community is paramount to our wellbeing. This is because, a community offers:
- Support. Whether it be a helping hand or a listening ear, you know someone will be there.
- Influence. With neighborhood participation comes empowerment and a sense of control. Thus, enabling community members with the power to influence positive change.
- Sharing. This stimulates innovation, growth, and the progression of new ideas. Many minds with many experiences fosters the benefits of new knowledge and insight.
- Reinforcement. A effective tool in encouraging desirable behaviours and providing motivation. Therefore, creating a sense of togetherness.
- Connection. Openness and bonding creates a deeper sense of belonging. Additionally, this helps us to reach our goals and feel a sense of security in our lives.
About the Author
