how do I meet my neighbors?
Start by learning five names. Knock with a simple reason, like dropping off a note or asking about trash day. Say who you are, which house is yours, and that you'd like to know who lives nearby. Write down their names after. Then wave every time you see them.
a door-knock script
"Hi! I'm ___, I live at ___. I'm trying to actually know my neighbors. What's your name? How long have you lived here?" That's it. No ask needed the first time.
start a block contact sheet
Once you know a few names, ask if people want to be on a simple shared list: name, phone, languages spoken, skills to share, and anything they might need help with. Always ask before adding anyone, and keep it private to the people on it.
how do I start a neighbor group chat?
A group chat turns a list of names into a village that can move fast. It's where you find a lost dog, borrow a ladder, check on someone after a storm, and get the word out when something is happening on your block. We recommend Signal: it's free, encrypted end to end, and your neighbors don't have to share their phone numbers.
set it up in 10 minutes
- Ask first. When you learn a name, ask: "Want to be on our block's group chat? We use Signal."
- Help people download Signal and set a username, so they can join without giving out their number.
- Create the group and name it after your block or building.
- In the group settings, turn on the invite link with "Approve new members," and make a second neighbor an admin.
- Turn on disappearing messages, so old chats don't pile up.
- Post a welcome: who you are, what the chat is for, and the ground rules.
ground rules
- Only share the invite with people you know live nearby.
- Report what you saw, where, and when. Check before you forward a rumor.
- Never post someone's immigration status, address, or photo without their OK.
- Keep it kind. Take disagreements to a one-on-one chat.
- Not everyone has a smartphone. Keep a paper contact sheet too.
how do I throw a block party?
- Three weeks out: pick a date and check if your city needs a street permit.
- Two weeks out: drop a flyer at every door and recruit two co-hosts.
- One week out: ask people to bring a dish, a chair, or a game.
- Day of: name tags, a sign-up sheet for the contact list, and fun for kids.
how do I start a care circle with friends?
Invite a few friends over and talk about what support looks like for each of you: rides, meals, childcare, check-ins when someone's struggling. Write it down and pick a time to meet again.
how do I find a local group?
Look for groups around issues you care about or identities you share: labor unions, tenant groups, reading groups, faith communities, LGBTQ+ spaces. Our directory lists long-term organizing groups by state.
you know their names. now build something.
Next: build together