Are these hurdles holding you back?

Dear Friends,

I’ve heard from so many of you that you absolutely love the idea of getting together with your neighbors, but you haven’t organized a block party (micro-local neighborhood gathering) yet. It’s important to get curious about what’s getting in the way of you hosting one, so you can know you’re not alone in what’s holding you back, but that these are hurdles that you can absolutely overcome.

This past month, I had the opportunity to talk about block parties with a wide range of audiences, including Harvard Kennedy School Alumni and members of Katherine Goldstein‘s The Double Shift Substack. The roadblocks people share or worry about are the very same ones I've heard time and time again, and as we talk through them, there is visible relief and a clear path forward.

It has become clear that there are five main reasons, typically a myth disguised as a hurdle, that are getting in the way of you doing the thing that you want to do: Reaching out to your neighbors.

Five Myths and Facts

 

MYTH ONE: I’m not the “right person” for it. There are many variants of this. Things like, “I don’t have the right personality,” “I’m an introvert,” “I rent, I don’t own,” or even “I live in an apartment, and they have a house.” And many times, “I don’t have kids, they do.” 

FACT: Although organizing might come easier to some, it's not about DNA, personality traits, or locations, but rather the skills you hold! These are leadership and organizational skills that we can all learn and transfer to other areas of our lives! We are social creatures, and we all need social connections to be healthy and resilient. You live there, which means it's your home. You are the right person, whether renting, owning, single, married, no kids, or a house full of kids. It all comes down to stewardship.

MYTH TWO:  Not up for it emotionally. I feel awkward. It’s too scary. 

FACT: You can do hard things, and anything worth doing is a little scary. Remember, you’re providing a service, a gift, to your neighbors by being the one to initiate. Choose to be brave and let go of being fragile.

MYTH THREE: I’m too busy.

FACT: Yes, AND you need this for your own health and resilience. As one mom said, "This is the best energy I have spent…and the best gift I've given my children.” The ROI (return on investment) is through the roof with block parties. 

MYTH FOUR: I live in the “wrong” place for it.  Many people think they don’t have the right street, because it's too busy, too rural, they can’t get a permit to block it off, etc.

FACT: Block parties are great anywhere, from front and back yards, driveways, common areas, an adjacent quieter street, or an alleyway behind a building. The truth is, anywhere is good just as long as it’s in your proximity.

MYTH FIVE: No one will come, and they will do it wrong. This typically leans into perfectionism and doing it “right” or a fear of judgment and what others might think/say.

FACT: When it comes to block parties, bigger is absolutely not better. Four people coming together is a success. The simplicity is what makes it sustainable and attainable. Instead of scrolling Pinterest, think about the old-fashioned style of a block party. Use us, Block Party USA, as your permission slip and excuse, because simplicity is in our mission statement. Plus, you can lean on our legitimacy to reach out to your neighbors.

Don’t keep waiting for someone else to host a block party or make a way to connect with your neighbors. Don’t wait for chances and quick waves as time for connection.

This is your chance to be brave, let go of perfectionism, and make a difference in your community. You are the one your neighbors are waiting for.

PS: If you’re still wondering, “But Vanessa, how do I actually throw a block party?” I have resources and support for you! First, go grab my Block Party Toolkit here. Second, plan to join me on Wednesday, April 29th, from 3:00-3:30 pm ET for our Office Hours.

You can let us know you’re planning to attend and get reminders at blockpartyusa.org/office-hours, or you can just show up and use the Zoom Meeting ID: 820 0975 1912. I hope to see you there!