Get invitations out early, and to everyone on your block.
These don’t need to be elaborate: think simple flyers that can be hand-delivered. If you have an active email list, send messages. And if your neighborhood has a Facebook page, create an event. Get the word out in as many ways as you can and be prepared to do some follow-up closer to the date.
Plan activities that will encourage people to get to know each other.
Think of what children will enjoy and make sure that there are opportunities for people with differing abilities to participate.
Provide name tags and ask everyone to wear one. Set up a space for kids to create their own name tags.
Make sure you have a sign-in sheet and ask everyone if they are willing to share their contact information. You can also ask for the names and ages of children in each home, and even pets. This information can be helpful in case of an emergency, or if a child or animal is outside without the knowledge of an adult. This list can be compiled and shared electronically with neighbors after the event. Be sensitive to neighbors who are not comfortable sharing personal information and ask if there are ways they would prefer to be contacted.
Welcome your neighbors who speak limited English.
It is important to make everyone feel welcome which can be more challenging when there are language barriers. Here are some suggestions that may help neighbors who speak limited English feel welcome.
- Use simple language and descriptive visuals on the event flyer. Pictures of food and activities can be helpful to explain “barbecue”, “face painting”, or “potluck”. If you have pictures of previous events, it may be helpful to use those to advertise.
- If you have bi/multilingual neighbors, ask if they would feel comfortable translating the flyer and/or contacting neighbors with limited English proficiency who speak the same language.
- It may take more than one invitation for a new neighbor to feel encouraged and comfortable enough to attend, so make a point of following up in the weeks leading up to the party.
- If you are blocking off the street for the day, diagrams about street parking changes may be helpful to include on flyers.
- Take the time to learn each other’s names. Use name tags to get to know your neighbors and learn the correct pronunciation as a sign of respect and friendship.
- Be welcoming and open with your expectations of neighbors coming from different cultural backgrounds.
- Safety may be a concern for your neighbors who speak limited English. Understand that they might not feel comfortable providing personal information like email addresses or phone numbers.
