Simple Ways to Get More Involved in Your Community

Whether you live in a small town or a bustling urban metropolis, you may be surprised at what the community around you has to offer. From free clubs and classes to volunteering opportunities, plenty of fun and fulfilling activities are waiting to be discovered — and all you have to do is seek them out.

Not sure where to start? Here are some easy ideas to help you get more involved in your community and help make it a better place.

Get to Know Your Neighbors

Whether you’ve lived in your neighborhood for years or just recently moved in, learning your neighbors’ names, occupations, and hobbies can benefit you in a number of ways. Studies have shown that a sense of belonging can improve physical and mental health — and knowing your neighbors can even help your community be more resilient after a disaster. Plus, it’s always nice to have someone who can grab a package off your porch or lend you a crucial ingredient in a pinch.

You don’t have to make a grand gesture to introduce yourself — just stop by and say hello. Let your neighbors know you’re happy to pick up their mail and water plants when they’re out of town. And if someone in your neighborhood has trouble mowing the lawn or raking leaves, offer to do it for them, so they don’t have to hire someone.

Neighbors can also be an underrated resource for recommending restaurants and events — especially if they’ve lived in the community longer than you have. Maybe there’s a can’t-miss festival every summer or a swap meet at the local school to help you pass down used items. Word of mouth can be one of the best ways to learn about hidden gems and discover new activities you would enjoy.

Connect With Your Community Online

You don’t have to leave the house to get more involved with the people around you. Social media is a great place to connect with your neighbors, learn more about events and new businesses, and find ways to get involved. To stay in the loop, consider following pages for your neighborhood, city, and local businesses and nonprofits.

Look for Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteering doesn’t just help the people in your community — it can also help improve your overall health. So if you’re looking for ways to donate your time and talents, give back to those who need it, and get a little dopamine rush while you’re at it, check out volunteering opportunities at local charities and nonprofits, such as:

Many organizations need volunteers to help support their internal staff members. If you have professional skills that may be helpful for a local organization, such as accounting, marketing, teaching, cooking, or fluency in a second language, see if they can use your help.

Join a Club or Team

Is there a hobby you’ve been wanting to learn or revisit? Chances are, you can find a group of people nearby with the same interests who would love to share their knowledge. Some groups may even be geared toward beginners, so you can learn and grow with others at the same level. Depending on your area, you may be able to find clubs for:

You can also check if there are free classes at your local library, school, or community center to help teach you a new skill or hobby. If you can’t find any existing groups related to your interest, consider putting out feelers on social media to see if others want to meet.

Help Keep Your Community Beautiful

Your neighbors have worked hard to make your community a beautiful place — and you can help keep it that way. Planting flowers, raking leaves, painting over graffiti, picking up litter, or even starting a community garden can help keep your neighborhood clean and picturesque. Check with local organizations to see if they sponsor cleanup efforts, or consider starting an event of your own.

You can also initiate efforts in your neighborhood to help the environment. Starting a recycling drive, spearheading a bike-to-school program, or planting trees can help make a positive impact on your community and neighborhood.

Support Local Businesses

The small businesses in your town are often owned and operated by your neighbors. Paying a visit, checking out what they have to offer, and starting a conversation with employees is a great way to meet more members of your community and show your support. Shopping small also helps keep money in your local economy, whether you support your favorite business on Amazon or stop by in person.

Vendor fairs, farmers' markets, and local festivals can also help you discover businesses that may not have a physical storefront in your area. When you need a gift, unique ingredient, or household item, look to your local artisans first.

Looking for more ways to support local businesses? Check out our guide for easy ideas that can make a real impact.

Start Your Own Events and Traditions

Annual neighborhood events and activities can help bring you and your neighbors together and give everyone a chance to socialize. There can never be too many opportunities to eat good food, catch up with your favorite people, and engage in some friendly competition — so if you’ve ever wished for a certain event, consider planning it yourself.

From seasonal traditions like group trick-or-treating and Christmas caroling to events like clothing swaps or neighborhood cleanups, it just takes one person to get the ball rolling. And in a few years, you may host the most anticipated event on the block.

Get Started Today on the Neighbors App

Getting more involved in your community is as simple as downloading the Neighbors App by Ring. In just a few minutes, you can join your digital neighborhood and catch up on the latest updates and activities around you. After connecting with the people nearby, you can share relevant information about your area and even shine a spotlight on the people who make your community better. Download the app today to start connecting with your neighbors and help make your community a safer place.

Have a Story?

If you have stories or videos you’d like to share with us, please send them to stories@ring.com.