Neighbor Circles
The easy version of what a Neighbor Circle is ‘a good conversation over dinner with neighbors’.
The longer version is that Neighbor Circles consist of small groups of people coming together to build community through shared interests, talents, and leadership. The goal is to create deeper connections. While the name might not sound familiar, this idea has been around for a while, having been hatched almost two decades ago.
How does it work?
Under the leadership of a resident “host” and trained facilitator, 8-10 families come together three times over the course of a month for dinner and conversation. They get to know each other, talk about the neighborhood or the city, and decide as a group if there is something that they can do together to help build community wherever they live.
What next?
After the third meeting, a NeighborCircle can continue to meet regularly to address neighborhood issues or organize activities to bring neighbors together and build community.
NeighborCircles have led to projects and collective action on specific issues. Some Circles have worked together on alley and playground cleanups, improving street lighting, safety and parking, and organizing block parties.
How to set one up: a guide
If you’re interested in starting up a Neighbor Circle, there are four reasons to follow a guide:
Place matters because your doorstep is the threshold to the rest of the world;
Conversation matters, and feeling free to respectfully speak your mind only happens in a place that is welcoming and safe;
Structure (and the lack of it) matters, and gatherings that embrace the ‘form follows function’ idea generally prioritize the conversation above the structure, making them a more relaxed and engaging space to connect.
Fun matters; research shows that adults, just like kids, connect over play. Great food, relaxation, games to break the ice and build in laughter all help build bonds and create a safer space for