Happier communities: 6 simple ways to create lasting connections
Lockdown has caused people to spend less time outside connecting with others, and more time inside looking at screens. The fact that this leads to anxiety and a fear of missing out on things is no secret. In this article, we’ll discuss six simple and meaningful ways to make lasting connections and help you overcome any negative feelings you might be experiencing.
1. Leverage the Planet App
The great thing about the Planet App is that it’s the ideal tool for figuring out which of your neighbours might like to collaborate with you in some way. For example, you could co-create solutions to increase community safety, establish linkages with local vendors, plan get-togethers, host performance clubs, or deliver a workshop on a skill you’ve mastered.
2. Form groups with similar interests
Create a community group so that all like-minded people can join and collaborate with each other. Sharing ideas and collaborating with others in your township can be a great way to feel a sense of connectedness and cooperation within the society. You might like to exchange books, recipes, or discuss specific topics. You could even create a Library of Things, where community members can loan out useful everyday items like ladders, hammers and power drills, to other residents.
3. Host meetings to touch-base
Meetings are an essential part of any collaborative relationship – and they are the glue holding any community group together. Create a schedule of regular meetings where members of your community have the opportunity to talk with each other, share ideas, brainstorm or even just to get to know one another! Supplementing these meetings with social media Q&A sessions can make discussions even more fruitful. You might consider taking meetings notes and sharing them through Planet App notifications.
4. Run workshops to upskill different groups
Organising a free course with a qualified instructor open to everyone who’s interested can be a great way to increase other people’s confidence in a particular domain. Invite anyone who may be interested, and be sure to speak to your attendees for feedback you can use to make future sessions even better. You might also like to ask those who expressed interest but didn’t attend what their reasons were perhaps there is a solution that can be found? For example, if some women in your community prefer a women-focused session and decided not to attend for that reason, gender-specific mini-courses could be arranged to meet this need.
5. Co-create and reclaim spaces
Are there any vacant lots, abandoned spaces, or areas that could be enhanced by and for the community? Create a community event to co-create and revitalise a public space alongside other residents. For example, if there is a green area with a large tree, perhaps it could benefit from having a swing installed? Small touches like this can transform underused spaces into areas that are cherished by everyone.
6. Community children’s activities
Inspiring children to explore different fields is an effective way to help them (and you!) understand where their interests lie. You could mentor them on subjects they are interested in, or perhaps find retired professionals, keen mothers or engaging fathers to run the activity. Events can be held on an ongoing basis, allowing children to get to know others and develop meaningful friendships close to home.