Barefoot Vegan Magazine March_April 2017 issue

Here are just some of the many ways you can
begin to build community where you live or
where you are moving to:
Religion/Spirituality- Attend a religious or spiritual
event or weekly gathering that interests you. If you are interested
in what is being offered, you are more likely to be engaged in
your surroundings.
Community events – If you live in or near a city, check
the events calendar on your municipality website and see if
there is an event coming up that you think you might enjoy. If
you live in a small town or if your city does not have a website,
chances are there is a Facebook page or some other online
resource for events happening near you that you can utilise.
Work-place outings – A work function that is occurring
outside of work can be a great way to meet new people or foster new
relationships especially if you work in a large team or if your work has
divided departments. If you don’t ever see anything about work-place
outings, start your own! Make a couple of flyers or postcards and post
them at the check-in desk or in the lounge or breakroom.
Walking – Get around your city with your own two feet and see how
much you start to love and learn about the place you call home. You’ll likely
be surprised about all of the things you have never
noticed before. What a great way to feel closer to your
neighbourhood and to deepen your sense of community.
Public transit – You may have a car and you may
enjoy listening to the radio, but why not give public transit a
try. Just experience it once…maybe two times!
Group runs – It doesn’t have to be a run, but a group
exercise activity is a wonderful way to meet people in your
community. You can organise something like this via Facebook or
you can use good old-fashioned paper flyers and word-of-mouth!
Community service/volunteering events- Reach
out to the local library or church or a non-profit that you are interested in
working with and see if there is a community service opportunity for
you.
Get involved in your child(ren)’s
school – As a teacher and coach, I know that schools are
always looking for extra help with a myriad of events and activities.
Being involved in your school can also be a great way to strengthen
your child’s relationship with their own school environment.
Meet-ups – Nowadays, social networking sites are used in many
more ways than just sharing videos or posting photos on your profile. Search
Facebook or Meetup.com for events or groups in your area that interest you and see if there is
anything that you may want to attend.
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