One way we built a sense of community in our neighborhood was to put together a neighborhood directory. It helped us learn everyone’s name, organize and communicate about events like a neighborhood block party, and ask for recommendations on local companies like plumbers and electricians. This resulted in us feeling more connected. Read below to learn how you create a neighborhood directory for your neighborhood.
8 Steps for How to Create a Neighborhood Directory
1. Create a Form
The first step is to create a form that will help you collect all of the information you need to put together the neighborhood directory. I recommend keeping the form to one page. On this form, you’ll want to have a brief introduction, a deadline of when to return the form, an area for them to fill out their information, and a description of who it’s from. You may want to collect the following information:
- Address
- Name(s) of the people who live in the house
- Names of pets
- Phone numbers
- Email addresses
2. Print Copies of the Form
You will need to print one copy of the form for each household. If you don’t have a printer, you can head down to a store like Staples and they will print it for you.
3. Send the Form Out
It is actually illegal to put something in someone’s mailbox. Who knew? Instead, you can fold the paper and secure it on the flag of the mailbox or put it in a plastic baggy and hang it from the mailbox. You may need to get creative!
4. Send a Second Form as a Reminder
After a couple days after the deadline has passed, print and send out the form to each household that has not responded yet. Life is busy! It gives people an extra opportunity to join the directory if they would like to. Set a new deadline when you send it out.
5. Create the Directory
Wait a couple of days after the second deadline has passed before creating the directory. When setting up the template, I recommend having the columns be name(s), pet(s), phone number(s), and email address(es). Have a clear title and consider including the month and year of when it was created. This will be helpful for when you update it in the future and send out a similar copy.
6. Send it Electronically
Now that you have access to everyone’s email address, you can send the directory to them electronically. Some of your neighbors may prefer this option over the paper version.
7. Print Directories for Everyone
I recommend printing out a copy of the directory to everyone on your street regardless of whether or not they decided to be a part of it.
8. Hand Out the Directories to Everyone
Similar to how you handed out the form, you’ll want to refrain from putting it inside of your neighbors’ mailboxes. You could hand it out at your next neighborhood block party or get creative on how to hang it on their mailboxes.
In closing, we hope you found this information about how to put together a neighborhood directory helpful! If you did, then you may also be interested in this post about 5 Ways to Build Community in Your Neighborhood.