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Neighborhood Networks

What is a 'neighborhood network'? It's an informal association of neighbors who may get together periodically, maybe once a month, to get acquainted, share information, perhaps learn new skills, be better prepared for emergencies, keep track of local events and civic affairs, and hopefully have fun in the process! (See sample flyer below) 

Wouldn't it be great if 'neighborhood networks' existed all over the world?  So that no matter where you live or move, you can join your local neighborhood network and automatically become part of an active and engaged community.  Online social media and large organizations are great for bringing people together, but they are also vulnerable to disruptions and other hazards. That's what makes local 'neighborhood networks' so necessary.

Many researchers of Dunbar's number suggest that any group is best kept to approximately 150 members for peak effectiveness, which means that every time a group grows significantly beyond 150 members they should start a new group, of which they can eventually become part of a larger coalition of 150 groups, and so on. It's an interesting concept that appears to work under many diverse circumstances.

This webpage is to provide you and your neighbors with encouragement to start your own 'neighborhood network'. Please send in any comments or questions. And thanks for reading this.

Lynn Landes, Publisher

LynnLandes.com
LynnLandes@gmail.com
714-204-2690
Philadelphia, PA


Suggested clubs within a 'neighborhood network'

·         A civics group to discuss government affairs

·         First Aide & Emergency Preparedness Club

·         Public Safety Club

·         Streets Club - clean, green, pot-hole free, etc.

·        Preferred List - service, contractors, & professionals
 

·         Buddies Club (walking, running, hiking, biking, etc.)

·        Stitchers Circle (knitting, crochet, sewing, etc.)

·         Cooking Club

·         Camping Club

·         Foraging Club

·         Hunting Club

·         Farm Club

·         Garden Club
 

 
 

·         Social Clubs

·         Dinners Club

·         Theatre Club

·         Travel Club

·         Book Club

·         Dance Group (line, folk, country, social, etc.)

·         Wood Workers Club

·         Home Repair Club

·         Computer Club

·         Car Club

·         Choir

·         Band

·         Health Club... etc!


 

(sample handout)

 

PLEASE JOIN US

Monday, April 8th, 7 PM, at (your address)

For the 1st 'Neighborhood Network' Planning Meeting of (neighborhood location)

 


 

Hi neighbor,

Please join us for our 1st planning meeting of a 'Neighborhood Network' for (neighborhood boundaries). 

What's a 'neighborhood network'?  It’s a way for us to get better acquainted, share helpful information, be prepared for emergencies, keep track of civic and government affairs, maybe learn some new skills, perhaps find walking buddies, and hopefully have fun in the process.

It's an informal gathering of neighbors to help each other out - no board or officers - just a few volunteer schedulers to keep the ball rolling.  It would supplement our local civic association, not replace it.  We'd meet periodically (or monthly) in-person at neighbors' houses or elsewhere, depending on the number of people attending. We could also provide a zoom option for those who can’t make it.  

The idea is to keep the group to no more than 150 people approximately.  Why 150?  According to Robin Dunbar, it’s a really good number for maximum group effectiveness. That said, we won't know what will work for us until we get our 'neighborhood network' up and running. 

Please RSVP via email or drop a note in our mailbox, also include any comments or questions you may have.  If we get a lot of attendees we may have to move the meeting to a bigger place. 

Thank you for reading this and hope to see you at our 1st Neighborhood Network planning meeting. 

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