National Good Neighbors Day is Sunday, 9-28-2014

About Good Neighbor Day

It all started with one good neighbor - In 1971, Becky Mattson from Lakeside, Montana wrote a letter to her senator asking for recognition about the importance of neighborly relationships in forming strong, thriving communities. Her simple request began the tradition of National Good Neighbor Day, which has since been acknowledged by mayors, governors, and senators, and has also been supported by three presidential proclamations.

National Good Neighbor Day is celebrated annually on the fourth Sunday of September with the purpose of giving thanks and recognizing good neighbors. What was once a single day of recognition has grown into a larger movement supported all month long in September by Nextdoor, the private social network for neighborhoods.

On September 28, 2014, Nextdoor will announce the winner of Nextdoor's Good Neighbor Awards. Nominate your neighbor today.

For more information contact: goodneighbor@nextdoor.com

Here are a few ideas for the day from one of our neighbors near the Georgia Street Bridge

With the excessive amount of crimes happening everywhere these days, it's really important for neighbors to unite. Community is not only essential for safety, but also for the future of our Country. Since nextdoor.com was founded to create more community in America, "National Good Neighbors Day" is a perfect time, to get to know our "nearby" neighbors face-to-face, instead of just by exchanging ideas on the internet.

If we all put our cell phones away, between 2 pm and 6 pm, step out of our homes, and head out into our neighborhoods, we will have ONE CONTINUOUS PARTY all over San Diego! We can make it even more inviting with Balloons, Flags, "Welcome" Signs, Music for Dancing, serving Water & Treats, Contests, Social Games, etc. Below are some ways in which we can extend ourselves as "Good" Neighbors and create a FUN and memorable day:  

(1) Take a leisurely stroll up and down your neighborhood (say within a 3-block radius of your home so you will mostly meet "nearby" neighbors). Greet everyone. Introduce yourself. Chat and get acquainted. Exchange Business cards/phone numbers to stay in touch. Gather neighbors to join you.

(2) Come hang out with us on the Georgia St Bridge between 3:00 pm and 5:00 pm. Everyone is invited! If you are able, bring: bubbles, treats, toys, business cards, or just your big smile.

(3) Wherever you live, you can also just sit on your front steps or driveway and greet pedestrians. Better yet, place some extra folding chairs near the sidewalk and invite passersby to rest and visit awhile. If any strollers are too far away to hear you, give them an enthusiastic wave and signal for them to come and join the celebration.

(4) If you have a garage in front of your home, you can open the garage door or use the parking area to invite passersby to visit...much like a garage sale...only on this day, the only product is friendship and good will!

(5) Go out and feed the homeless. "Listen" to their stories. Remember that many are people who lost their jobs, were injured due to wars, suffer from illness and depression, and are in need of compassion, not judgment. "But for the grace of God, there go I."

These are just a few ideas...I'm sure you can come up with more!

Hope to see you on Sunday for a Happy Good Neighbors Day!