3. BECOME INVOLVED IN YOUR DIRECT COMMUNITY
Check out community service opportunities
Join a synagogue/church/place of worship
Join a book club or writers' group
Hang out near the local coffee house
Check out community service opportunities
Wherever you move, there will be groups of people doing their very best to make that place better. Join them. Head over to your new town hall and sign up for whatever community service activities strike your fancy. Or - if you prefer - head to the nearest university and ask to speak to whoever's in charge of community service activities. Your karma will thank you.
A few excellent organizations to consider checking out:
- Habitat for Humanity: An organization that helps build homes and shelter for the needy.
- United Way: A national group that concentrates on health and human services.
- City Year: A service organization aimed at helping young people change the world.
- Literacy Volunteers of America: A group that's dedicated to helping people learn how to read.
Join a synagogue/church/place of worship
Just because your mom isn't around begging you to put on your Sunday best doesn't mean you shouldn't go to church or synagogue. Places of worship are great places to meet nice people with all sorts of interests. Furthermore, you can count on these places to host many activities and town happenings. Check out www.masstimes.com or www.yehud.com to find church and synagogue activities, respectively.
Join a book club or writers' group
Another great way to become part of a new crowd is to join some type of literary group. Think about it: you get to read excellent books or work on your own writing, AND you meet people with similar literary interests. The conversation is already in place.
To find a fantastic book/writers group in your area (and start ingratiating yourself to all those creative types):
- Check the bulletin board at your local library.
- Ask someone in a nearby college English department.
- Look in your town's alternative weekly.
- Browse Web bulletin boards.
Hang out near the local coffee house
This is the "Starbucks" method: bring a book, plant yourself of a couch, and spend a couple hours a week relaxing with other bohemian-esque patrons. You'll soon start to recognize the people who come in regularly, you'll build your way up to the "I know you" nod and smile, and eventually, you'll strike up some small talk. Alternatively, you could talk up the bohemian-esque coffee servers. If the coffee house crowd isn't your cup of tea, then pick another locale with cooler people. Some suggestions:
- A local watering hole.
- A dog walking park (assuming you have a dog).
- A local gym.
OK, neighbor, that's about it. A year from now when you spot the new kid on the block, have some mercy and introduce yourself. Or at least point him/her towards this SYW...
