Meeting Neighbors Important for Security

Are you concerned about security? Do you wonder who your neighbor is, who lives on either side of you or down the street? When was the last time you took the time to meet a new neighbor? Conversely, did any neighbor greet you when you moved in?

Are you afraid to walk down your street, especially at night? Do you let your children play outside without your constant supervision because of security concerns? When was the last time you interacted with the neighbor next door, or down the street, even a "Hi, how are you?" in passing?

There was a time when a neighbor was a friend and neighborhoods formed a secure community that cared and watched out for one another. Such community made our neighborhoods safer not only for ourselves, but also for our children. Security was in knowing and interacting with the neighbor.

Back then, we knew the neighbor on either side, across the street and down. We knew our neighbors well enough to know which ones we considered a threat and kept our children close. Also, because one neighbor knew the next neighbor and the next, neighbors grew not only to care, but also knew who belonged where. It was unofficial security. Unfamiliar faces or vehicles were quickly noted. Neighbors quickly closed ranks on those who sought to harm someone in the neighborhood.

While some of these communities still exist, most of us come and go, each isolated in our own homes with our own families and busy lifestyles. We often have no clue about the neighbor next door, or whether that neighbor is an upstanding citizen or a threat. That neighbor has the same problem with you. Few know their neighbors, which leads to distinct lack of security within the neighborhood. Who belongs? Who doesn't? But, with effort and initiative, this can change. It starts with one neighbor taking the initiative.

Start small. A couple can take the step to get acquainted with the couple next door. Invite them over for ice cream or a barbeque. A woman can invite the ladies in the neighborhood for a get together tea.

Build relationships. Once you've made initial contact with a neighbor you may find areas of interest to explore. As friendship grows, the initial contacts can be expanded.

Plan neighborhood events. Together you can begin to draw one neighbor together with another, building further relationships by holding events that bring you together, like clearing up garbage and trash and painting over graffiti. Celebrate with a block party.

There are any number of things neighbors can do together when someone takes the initiative. This may lead to solid friendships, as well as a sense of community that will help bring security to your neighborhood and richer lives for those who reside there,.

Together, isolated neighbors can become a community of friends.

Christian Herter, Former Congressional Representative (1943-1953)., Massachusetts Governor (1953-1957) and US Secretary of State (1959-1961), put it this way, "When a man asks freedom for himself alone, both he and his neighbor lose what he thinks he has gained. The spirit of liberty is more than jealousy for your own rights. It is a decent respect for the rights and opinions of others. ...The love of liberty cannot be separated from loving your neighbor as yourself."

Want security in your neighborhood, then turn your neighbor into your friend?