Key Takeaways
- Getting to know your neighbors and community can be a rewarding experience
- Being actively involved in your community takes time and effort, but can lead to new friendships and a sense of belonging
- Small towns and suburbs, like Johnsonville, have their own unique charm and character
- Community hubs, such as libraries and community centers, can be great places to meet new people and get involved in local activities
- Even small actions, such as attending local events and joining online community groups, can help to build connections and a sense of community
Introduction to the Experiment
The idea of knowing your neighbors and being part of a tight-knit community is often portrayed in television shows and movies. However, in reality, it can be challenging to get to know the people living in your area. The author of this article decided to conduct an experiment to see what it would be like to really get to know their community. They spent two weeks immersing themselves in their hometown of Johnsonville, Wellington, and discovered that it was a rewarding experience that helped them to build connections and a sense of belonging.
Getting to Know the Community
The author started by making conversation with people in stores and shops, such as the owner of the cookware shop and the girl who served them at Burger Fuel. They also spent time at the local library, people-watching and attending events, such as a coloring-in session and a 3D printing demonstration. These small interactions helped the author to feel more connected to their community and to meet new people. They also discovered that their community had a lot to offer, from handmade goods to community events and activities.
Exploring Local Activities
The author also explored local activities and events, such as the Keith Spry Pool, where they learned to swim as a child, and the 1841 restaurant, which had a Johnsonville-themed decor and menu. They attended a Toastmasters’ annual speech competition at the Johnsonville Community Centre and made friends with the mum sitting next to them. They also joined a group that met weekly to combat loneliness and had lively debates about topics such as Lady Gaga and the "Out of Africa" evolution theory. These experiences helped the author to see that there was more to their community than they initially thought.
Online Community Involvement
In addition to attending local events and activities, the author also made an effort to get involved in their community online. They wrote Google reviews for local businesses, such as the Johnsonville Shopping Centre and the Welly Collective gift store. They also joined Facebook groups for gifting and gave away items such as books and a chocolate fountain. These small actions helped the author to feel more connected to their community and to build relationships with their neighbors.
Random Acts of Community Involvement
The author also did a number of random things to get involved in their community, such as emailing Woolworths to find out why the soft plastics bin at their local supermarket had disappeared, and submitting feedback on Wellington City Council’s proposals for a new playground in Johnsonville. They also attended a spirituality expo and watched vendors sell crystals and read tarot. These random acts of community involvement helped the author to feel more engaged with their community and to discover new things about their hometown.
Conclusion
The author’s experiment showed that getting to know your neighbors and community can be a rewarding experience. It takes time and effort, but it can lead to new friendships and a sense of belonging. The author discovered that their community had a lot to offer, from unique shops and restaurants to community events and activities. They also learned that even small actions, such as attending local events and joining online community groups, can help to build connections and a sense of community. Overall, the author’s experience showed that it’s worth taking the time to get to know your community and to be proud of where you live.