“Civic pride is taking responsibility to do the ‘little’ things that make a ‘big’ difference.” – Jane Kampbell

Cultivating a sense of community in Brooklyn is necessary for the quality of life we deserve. Every Brooklynite – neighbors, local officials, service clubs, religious organizations – must do their part to cultivate a strong sense of community in Brooklyn. But first we must understand what a sense of community is.

What is a sense of community?

A sense of community is NOT a collection of buildings and streets in a particular area. A sense of community:

• Is the feeling of belonging to something bigger than yourself or your family
• Connects people to each other
• Is people building each other up
• Is people supporting each other in good times and in bad

Why should we cultivate a sense of community in Brooklyn?

It is critical to Brooklyn’s future success. When we feel a strong sense of community, we are driven to take action. We desire to take part in improving or supporting the well-being of our community. Those who see a sense of community happening are compelled to do the same. Community improvement and self-sufficiency become contagious. Momentum is created. This brings us together as a community and makes us proud to live, work and play in Brooklyn.

A strong sense of community:

• attracts new investment in our community and local economy. It keeps local businesses in business.
• discourages litter, graffiti and criminal activity. It increases the property values of homes and businesses.
• helps support our education system
• encourages volunteering and personal responsibility

A community with a strong sense of community believes in itself. It is able to rise above and overcome challenges through the strength and support of its people. A community without a strong sense of community depends on others to take care of its needs. A strong sense of community in Brooklyn is essential for:

• clean and safe streets and neighborhoods
• support for local businesses
• vital community organizations
• fruitful educational opportunities
• low crime

How is a sense of community cultivated?

A sense of community in Brooklyn won’t just happen. It must be cultivated or nurtured to make a difference in our Brooklyn community now and in the future. Children, too, must be taught to take pride in their Brooklyn community. A sense of community can be cultivated in the following ways:

• Take personal responsibility to do simple things such as sweeping walks and picking up trash in your neighborhood
• Take responsibility for the well-being of your neighbors as well as yourself
• Keep your home and/or business clean and in good repair. Well-maintained neighborhoods are attractive and inviting for children and families.
• Keep our Brooklyn streets, sidewalks, paths and parks free of damage and ruin. Discourage litter, graffiti and vandalism.
• Support local businesses in Brooklyn
• Participate in local organizations and community events such as dinners, dances, festivals, school functions, service clubs, churches, chamber of commerce, etc.
• Clear Brooklyn’s vacant lots of trash and debris
• Work to prevent crime
• Get involved in the preservation of Brooklyn’s historic sites and scenic areas
• Volunteer to serve in the education of our students
• Grow and maintain a garden (How To Grow A Garden In Brooklyn)
• Appreciate and support local agriculture
• Emphasize individual responsibility and community solutions
• Encourage volunteering in schools, churches and community groups
• Start a “yard-of-the-month” program with local media in Brooklyn
• Recognize and reward those who do good deeds in our Brooklyn community
• Promote residents to shop at local businesses and use local services
• Use volunteer groups for projects that will benefit the beauty and cleanliness of our Brooklyn community
• Reach out to and encourage commuters to participate in their Brooklyn community and to shop locally
• Host and share information for clean-up days and volunteer activities
• Set strong but fair standards for our Brooklyn neighborhoods and stores
• Host annual clean-up days to give Brooklynites a regular opportunity to rid homes and yards of junk and debris

Cultivating a strong sense of community must start with you. Make the best of what you have. Keep your yard clean and orderly. Paint and touch up your home and/or business. Keep your yard mowed. These are simple ways to begin displaying and building a sense of community in Brooklyn.

If you’d like more information or ideas on how you can cultivate a sense of community in Brooklyn, call Charles D’Alessandro at (718) 253-9700 ext. 206 or email [email protected]. Charles D’Alessandro of Fillmore Real Estate in Brooklyn is proud to live, work and play in Brooklyn.

Sources:

http://www.fillmoreca.com/docs/vision/2020-community.pdf