Get to know your neighbors

by Staff Aroostook Republican
16 years ago

What you needto know — ASAP

Sponsored by the Aroostook Substance Abuse Prevention Collaborative

    Do you remember a time when neighbors left their doors unlocked, shared meals and sat on their front porch swings sharing stories, and laughter? A time when not much went unnoticed whether it was who came for dinner Tuesday night or what time your teenager got home from his date. I suppose one could argue that they were nosey neighbors, I beg to differ. What these neighbors provided each other was safety, security and support.

    Our world today is vastly different for many reasons. Our time is stretched so thin that front porch talks have been replaced by a quick text or an e-mail. For many the few hours they have at home are spent inside catching up on housework, bills, or watching TV. Not only are neighbors not spending time together but many do not even know each others names. What we have lost are neighborhoods that are connected and a sense of community responsibility for monitoring young people’s behavior. There was a security for adults and youth when neighbors looked out for each others safety.
    When Search Institute began asking why neighbors no longer took responsibility for monitoring young people’s behavior, the most consistent response was fear. They were afraid of youth, and the reaction of parents. Fear, apathy, and the pure busyness of life have frayed the string of connection that neighbors once had. How then can we rebuild the relationships and strengthen the ties that bind neighborhoods together? It is easy! You do not have to be a community organizer to create a community where neighbors look out for each other. Start by getting to know the people who live near you including adults and youth. Plan a neighborhood activity such as a potluck dinner or neighborhood clean up day. Talk with parents about the boundaries they would like for the young people in the neighborhood.
    Research shows that when youth live in neighborhoods in which adults take responsibility for monitoring their behavior, youth focus more energy on positive activities. According to Search Institute, forty-seven percent of youth, ages 11 to 18, say they have Neighborhood Boundaries, asset no. 13 of the 40 Developmental Assets.
    It takes more than a family to raise children, it takes caring adults and neighbors. In the words of Hillary Rodham Clinton, “There’s no such thing as other people’s children.” All kids are our kids. It is our responsibility and honor to be role models for young people, to guide them in their choices and to set appropriate boundaries and expectations. What a powerful role you can play in the lives of not only youth in your neighborhood but their parents as well. Hang onto the fray of string that remains in your neighborhood and weave a pattern of hope, connection and responsibility in the lives of all who call you a neighbor.
    Want to know more about the 40 Developmental Assets and ideas for helping young people build them? Visit www.search-institute.org/assets.
    This article was brought to you by Aroostook Substance Abuse Prevention. For more information about ASAP and 40 Developmental Assets contact Allison Heidorn, Project Assistant at 540-6772 or visit www.asapcoalition.com.