There are as many different social activities to draw neighbors together as there are neighborhoods.
Most times neighborhood associations come into existence because of a common need or problem like traffic calming or violence.
But once these issues are addressed how do you keep people engaged in the community? Here are 5 events that can keep your neighbors communicating.
1.
National Night Out is billed as "Americas Night Out Against Crime".
This is a nationally recognized event held on the first Tuesday in August.
Some neighborhoods celebrate by having neighbors barbeque out in front of their homes, others have a picnic in a neighborhood park or school.
If you invite your local fire, police, and government officials they will usually attend or drive the neighborhoods and visit.
2.
Picnic in the park is another great way to get people out.
Face it, everyone likes food.
You can make it pot luck and invite the neighbors.
This is a great time to bring out balls, Frisbees, board games, and bingo.
Local fire departments are always a good bet to show up and may even spray a few people down.
3.
Movie night is a surprisingly well attended event in many neighborhoods.
One I know of hold it in a park after sunset once a month during warm months.
People bring blankets and food.
To do it well, you may need to rent a screen and a projector but the benefits are well worth it.
4.
A Halloween party in the fall is a lot of fun for everyone.
It can be a great fund raiser by making a carnival atmosphere and selling tickets to play the games.
You can sell pumpkins and even have a dunk tank for local celebs.
Of course what good is a Halloween party without a costume contest! Be sure to come up with enough prizes to include all who enter.
5.
The holiday season is a great opportunity to get people in the spirit.
Some associations put on a play, others carol, and one even gets a local carriage company to give "sleigh rides" (as a fund raiser).
The holidays give neighbors the opportunity to celebrate their diversity.
You can decorate for the season, hold a holiday party or dance, a social mixer combine these events with a fund raiser, toy drive, or food drive and you ensure that the neighborhood has done something worthwhile.
No matter what the event was that started a neighborhood association it is vitally important to continue to get neighbors together on a continuing basis to strengthen bonds and build new ones.
Do not forget that it isn't just the people who live there but the people that work there who make up a neighborhood.