Introducing yourself to people. Make a habit of introducing yourself to the people you meet in daily life. Show genuine interest in them, and ask them questions about their lives, jobs, and families. Connecting with neighbors. Ask neighbors you know to come and visit you, or visit them yourself. [2] X Expert Source Saul Jaeger, MSPolice Captain, Mountain View Police Department Expert Interview. 21 February 2020. Ask about their lives, work, health and family, and get their perspective on local problems. Visiting new places. Visit businesses and public areas that you don’t typically visit. Take note of changes in your community as well, such as new neighbors, local construction projects, or newly opened or closed businesses. Walking around your neighborhood. If it is safe to do so, walk or take public transit instead of driving a car. This will allow you to see, hear and experience your community and its members more intimately.
If you don’t feel ready to plan an event, then you could also organize a small meeting. Try planning a meeting and inviting some other community members who are interested in making your community a more peaceful place. Use the meeting to share your concerns and discuss possible solutions.
Look into volunteering at a local soup kitchen, homeless shelter, or animal shelter. Try visiting local organizations’ websites or calling to see if they are looking for volunteers.
Home or cell phone numbers Workplace addresses and phone numbers E-mail addresses, or social media accounts Contact info for neighbors’ immediate family, in case of emergency
If you can, consider offering to help set up, run, or clean up after the event.
Depending on what community you live in, there may be many meetings that you have a right to attend, including city council meetings, meetings of other government committees, and meetings of public organizations such as parent teacher associations. Online resources, such as https://www. usa. gov/local-governments, are available to help you locate public offices, services and meetings. You can also contact your local city council, chamber of commerce, or other local government organization for help.
When, and by whom, was the community founded? What businesses, cultures, religions, or political movements were influential in the founding of the community? How has the population of the community changed over time? Has it grown or shrunk? Has it become more or less wealthy? How did major events in the world, such as wars or financial crises, affect the community and its residents? How has the role of the community in the larger region changed over time? For example, many communities suffer serious consequences when once prominent industries or businesses (railroads, manufacturing plants, etc. ) closes or leaves the region.
For help finding a local historical society, consult an online directory, such as http://www. preservationdirectory. com/preservationorganizationsresources/organizationcategories. aspx
Most people learn about history in courses at school or in college, but you don’t have to be a student to gain access to the subject. Your local library contains all the resources you’ll need for a lifetime of learning. Ask your librarian for recommendations.
What big changes have occurred in the community during their life? Has the state of the community improved or become worse in recent times? What steps have people taken in the past to improve the community, and were they successful? What, in their experience, are the causes of unrest in the community?
By investigating the potential causes of the violence in your community, you can work on some tailored solutions to the violence. For example, a lack of jobs might be due to poor educational opportunities for people in your community. Therefore, improving educational opportunities might be the best way to prepare people for jobs and cut down on violent crimes. Or, if many of the kids in your community spend their spare time on the streets, then building a community center or increasing the programming at a local community center may provide the kids with somewhere to go after school.
Discuss how more vulnerable community members, such as elders, can be cared for and protected from violence. Arrange carpooling or offer to escort those who need to leave their home, but are fearful to go out alone. If children are present in the neighborhood, have a frank discussion with your neighbors about where the children can gather should they find themselves in danger.
Try looking into violence prevention nonprofits for help and information. While the availability of such programs depends on where you live, thousands of organizations exist to assist communities struggling with violence and unrest. Contacting a local anti-violence or community organizing nonprofit is a great way to find out about what others are doing to make positive changes in their communities.
Be open and honest in discussing issues of violence with your family, friends and neighbors. Conversations about such important, urgent issues can become heated, but do not shy away from disagreement. Instead, try to listen to what others have to say, and try to understand their perspectives before responding. Community leaders such as religious or school officials, business owners, community organizers, and local politicians are another great resource. Ask about other people’s personal experiences with violence, or other community issues. Ask them what they think has caused these issues, and what they think should be done to solve them.
Classes in community organizing are offered at many universities and colleges, and can sometimes be taken remotely over the internet.
