Do you wonder how you and your family will survive as the crisis deepens?
Its a scary prospect, and for many of us, living in neighbourhoods that have lost their sense of community, it seems that we will have to weather the storm alone.
But its not too late to start rebuilding your neighbourhood into a healthy community. All it takes is for one person to take action building and nourishing community connections.
Here's a list of 5 ways you can help your community to thrive despite the economic crisis:
Keep your money local
A study by the Independent Business Alliance in Austin, Texas found that for every $100 spent at local businesses $45 went back to the community. However, for every $100 spent at a Chain Store, only $13 stayed in the community. This money helps to create jobs, supports local producers and raises local incomes.
Meet you neighbours
If you don't know them already, get out and meet your neighbours. Organise a block party for everyone to get together. Start creating connections with the other people that live in your community so that when times are tough you can support each other.
Share with your neighbours
Do you have a garden? Offer any extra produce to others in your neighbourhood. Share your skills, your knowledge, your time. Be generous. Strong communities can't function without generosity.
Organise a Co-op
A Dinner Co-Op: Rotate among the homes in your neighbourhood for regular potluck dinners.
A Rainy Day fund: You could pool $100 each and lend it to any in the group that needs it to survive job loss, illness, or an accident.
A Car Co-Op: With different vehicles for different uses and the costs shared based on mileage
Participate in your community
Take an active interest in what is going on in your community. Attend planning meetings, local government meetings, join community groups, support community events. If you want the benefits that being part of a strong community brings, then you need to get out and take part in community activities.
Building community takes time, especially in areas where community spirit has been neglected over time. But it truly does take only one person to get the ball rolling, and the benefits are well worth the effort. Strong communities offer support when times are tough. They advocate for the weak. They take care of their own. So stand up, be counted and make a difference for your community in these troubling times.
