If you’ve just moved to a new area, or maybe lived there forever but want to meet some new people, the best thing you can do is to become involved. There are many ways to get involved in your community, whether it’s through volunteering or attending local events. Here are five simple ways you can become more involved with your community and feel more connected to the place you live.
Get to know your neighbors
Getting to know your neighbors is one of the best ways to get involved in your community. If you’re new to the area, go to your neighbor’s house and introduce yourself. Tell them a little about yourself, like how you ended up in this area, and they may open up to you as well. Then, follow-up with the relationship. If you see them out in their yard, take the time to say hello and ask them about their day. You may hit it off and become great friends, or you may just stay friendly with each other. Either way, they’ll recognize you as a familiar face.
Look for local events
Stay up-to-date on all of the events happening in your community. Check the calendars for your local library or community center and make a point of attending any event that sounds interesting to you. By attending these events, you’ll be able to connect with like-minded people and also learn about even more upcoming events.
Shop locally
Supporting local businesses is a great way to be involved with your community. When you shop locally, the money you spend is put directly back into your community. You’re helping to keep your town a fun place to live by ensuring the shops you like stay open. In addition to benefiting your community, you’re also more likely to get a higher quality product than what you’d get buying from a large retailer.
Join a class
Look into what classes or groups your community has to offer. It may be a sewing class or a group for people who love to run. Not only will you get to learn or improve a skill, but you’ll also get to spend time with people who have similar interests. Often, classes need a certain number of registrants to continue being offered, so by signing up for a class, you’ll be helping to keep the option open for others.
Support local sports teams
Athletes play because they love the sport, but having supporters in the audience make it that much more satisfying. Look what local teams your community has. If you live near a college or high school, look into their sports schedule and make it a point to attend games for the sports you enjoy to watch. You’ll get to witness a sport you like played by enthusiastic individuals, and give back to your community through the purchase of a ticket or snacks at the concession stand.