I pledge to intentionally build connections with neighbors, develop my leadership skills in my neighborhood, and grow my social capital through neighborhood relationships. I will become an engaged neighbor by pursuing these “Engaged Neighbor” principles.
1. I will learn and use my neighbor’s names.
2. I will practice hospitality and eat with my neighbors.
3. I will listen first and talk second when with my neighbors.
4. I will do more front-yard living to be available for conversations and service.
5. I will discard a lifestyle of busyness in favor of being present and available.
6. I will remember important neighbor etiquette to help create a culture of trust.
7. I will focus my energy on what is strong, not what is wrong in my neighborhood.
8. I will invest my time and talent in a homeowners or neighborhood association.
9. I will express gratitude for my neighbors by performing spontaneous kind deeds or lending a strong back.
10. I will commit to learning the gifts and talents of my neighbors and the assets in my neighborhood.
11. I will help to set neighborhood priorities and pursue the common good where I live.
12. I will celebrate neighboring holidays.
13. I will be motivated by love, kindness, and mutual respect.
14. I will pursue reconciliation, offer forgiveness, and give my neighbors the benefit of the doubt when conflicts arise.
15. I will be a continual learner about neighboring and ABCD.
16. I will find ways to include neighbors in my life who are overlooked, marginalized, disabled, widowed or lonely.
17. I will share honestly about myself and my family, our hurts and our successes.
18. I will not turn my neighbor into a “project” or gossip about my neighbors.
19. I will invite neighbors into my regular routine and exercise a plus-one approach to neighboring daily.
20. I will not be afraid to celebrate what it means to be an engaged neighbor.
