The City of Colorado Springs, along with several community partners, is challenging residents to host 1,000 neighborhood gatherings this summer to encourage neighbors to connect with one another to address social isolation and loneliness.
By hosting a neighborhood gathering, the city urges, you are stepping up and taking action to address mental health in Colorado Springs. Studies show people who know six or more of their neighbors have decreased levels of social isolation and loneliness compared to people who don’t. By stepping out of your home and connecting with neighbors through a neighborhood gathering, you are helping to build a social support system in your neighborhood.
- The 1,000 Neighborhood Gatherings initiative officially launches May 18-19 during Mental Health Awareness Month and will run through Sept. 28 (National Good Neighbor Day). Your gathering will count toward the 1,000 gatherings goal as long as you register it.
- Choose a date and time for your event! Weekends are great for bigger gatherings, while weekdays and weekends lunch or dinner work well for smaller get-togethers. Keep it simple and pick what best suits your plans.
- Whether it’s snacks on your porch or shutting down the block for a party, there are a variety of ways to host a gathering. You can download helpful toolkits that include tips and ideas for how to host a great gathering by visiting CONO’s website. This includes ideas such as:
- Block Party
- Park Event
- Porch Lunch
- Clean Up
- Beautification Project
- Movie or Game Night
- Invite your neighbors by knocking on their door or mentioning it the next time you see them
- Post on neighborhood social media sites like Nextdoor, your neighborhood Facebook Group, or ZonZon
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