How to Build Community

So you've decided you can work from anywhere. Call it what you will - working remotely, telecommuting, telework... You can 'call it in'. You've decided to raise your family in the safety, security, serenity of a small rural Nebraska town.

How do you do it? How do you make friends? How do you fit in? How will you be sure of your welcome? How will you and your family become an asset to the community?

Here are some ideas:

TURN OFF YOUR TV

LEAVE YOUR HOUSE

KNOW YOUR NEIGHBORS | GREET PEOPLE

LOOK UP WHEN YOU’RE WALKING

SIT ON YOUR STOOP | PLANT FLOWERS

USE YOUR LIBRARY | PLAY TOGETHER

BUY FROM LOCAL MERCHANTS

SHARE WHAT YOU HAVE | HELP A LOST DOG

TAKE CHILDREN TO THE PARK | HONOR ELDERS

SUPPORT NEIGHBORHOOD SCHOOLS

FIX IT EVEN IF YOU DIDN’T BREAK IT

HAVE POT LUCKS | GARDEN TOGETHER

PICK UP LITTER | READ STORIES ALOUD

DANCE IN THE STREET

TALK TO THE MAIL CARRIER

LISTEN TO THE BIRDS | PUT UP A SWING

HELP CARRY SOMETHING HEAVY

BARTER FOR YOUR GOODS

START A TRADITION | ASK A QUESTION

HIRE YOUNG PEOPLE FOR ODD JOBS

ORGANIZE A BLOCK PARTY

BAKE EXTRA AND SHARE

ASK FOR HELP WHEN YOU NEED IT

OPEN YOUR SHADES | SING TOGETHER

SHARE YOUR SKILLS

TAKE BACK THE NIGHT

TURN UP THE MUSIC | TURN DOWN THE MUSIC

LISTEN BEFORE YOU REACT TO ANGER

MEDIATE A CONFLICT | SEEK TO UNDERSTAND

LEARN FROM NEW AND UNCOMFORTABLE ANGLES

KNOW THAT NO ONE IS SILENT THOUGH MANY ARE NOT HEARD

WORK TO CHANGE THIS

Moving to a new community can be daunting. Being a good neighbor will help you fit in, make friends and become a valuable part of the community.