Won't You Be Our Neighbor?

By Tim State in Arts & Entertainment on Aug 25, 2007 12:33PM

Just in case we’ve all forgot how to play in the neighborhood, a new non-profit organization is helping to teach people how to be better neighbors. The Neighbors Project mission is to inspire, support, and connect people in their 20s and 30s who want to take on both large and small projects that will help to improve their neighborhoods. This afternoon, they’ll be hosting the “Block Party Party” from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Mystic Celtic. And it’s a block party you won’t need to prepare a covered dish for; food is provided. The free event, which will demonstrate everything you need to know to start planning your own block party, is part of their “Do-It-Yourself” event series demonstrating things people can do to make their buildings, blocks or neighborhoods better.

The Neighbors Project works to remind us of the simple things that make the world a better place, and that’s pretty cool. Their website is chock-full of quick tips (“Say hi to your neighbors”), and if you don’t know how, they even link to a site explaining the process in four easy photo-illustrated steps. They even go to lengths to explain what would be dorky and awkward. For the more advanced neighbor, they catalog projects you can take on and how to get started, and highlight successful projects completed by others.

Although the sight doesn’t go as far as suggesting we wear a cardigan and invite the children to the Land of Make Believe, it sticks to the simple stuff. On the surface, this may seem silly. But the fact is, being a good neighbor is just about demonstrating a little respect--for ourselves and each other. Didn’t we learn all that by watching Mr. Rogers anyway?

Photo courtesy of Antre.