Do you want to make your neighborhood a better place? Do you wish you knew your neighbors' names? Do you just need to borrow a cup of sugar? Knowing your neighbors matters for many reasons. Research shows that strong neighborhood ties can reduce crime, increase happiness, and even save your life. The COVID-19 pandemic shows that knowing your neighbors is more important than ever. Luckily, it's also easier than ever to get started.
This class is for anyone who wants to connect with their neighbors and create a stronger community. Together, we'll learn how to create a simple, online neighborhood network for you and your neighbors. In less than an hour, you can set up a platform that will help you find lost pets, share baking tips, help in emergencies, organize block parties, and much more. You don't need high-tech skills -- just a computer, internet connection, and a willingness to help out.
You'll learn:
• Why neighborhood connections matter
• What neighborhood networks are and how to start one
• How to choose and set up an online platform
• How to publicize your network and help neighbors sign up
• How to handle challenges and pitfalls and make your network thrive
• Fun ways to take the connections offline
Start a class project, and I'll send you a link to download your free Neighboring Kit from Community Workshop. It's full of fun, customizable templates and printables like posters, invitations, and street stencils. They will make it easy to help publicize your network, meet neighbors, and start connecting. As a student, you'll also get occasional invites to ask me anything sessions, videos, tools and more.
Let's connect. I can't wait to share lots of creative ideas about how to build community and launch neighborhood networks. And I can't wait to see what you create.
Ready to start your network? Dive into our class project and we'll walk through it, step by step. By the end of class, you'll have set up your own simple neighborhood network platform. You'll be ready to start inviting neighbors and get networking!
Step 1. Get the template. Click to open the simple Neighborhood Network Planner template in Google Docs. You can:
Choose File > Make a Copy to start your own version of this planner in Google Docs. You'll be able to edit and share that one.
Choose File > Download to save the template in Microsoft Word or as a PDF. Then you can print or edit in another program.
Step 2. Post your template in the class project gallery. If you are working in Google Docs, share a link to your new version of the template. If you've downloaded it, you can upload a file with your version.
Step 3. Follow along. As you watch the course videos, follow along with the template. You'll go through the following steps:
- Clarify your purpose
- Scan for existing networks
- Set goals and define your geography
- Choose and set up a platform
- Make a plan for managing your network
- Invite neighbors
Step 4. Share your network! Once your network is live, show it off in the project gallery!
- Post a link, if it's online
- Share a screenshot, if you can't link
- Or just tell us about it!
Step 5. Keep asking questions & building community. The fun doesn't end once you've set up your network. Use the project gallery space to ask questions, share what's working or what you're struggling with, and show us what your neighborhood is doing.
Watch for special events & freebies! I'll send occasional messages to students inviting you to special events like AMA session (ask me anything) or to send out free toolkits and printables. I can't wait to see your networks!
