Use ice breakers to get to know your neighbors. Comment on their garden or landscaping and ask for tips; take frequent walks on your block and stop to chat.

Welcome new homeowners to the neighborhood with something in hand such as a map of local hiking and biking trails or a homemade treat.

Block parties are an occasional event that goes a long way to improving the quality of life year 'round. Ask a few neighbors for suggestions and get them involved in the event.

Keep the spirit alive between block parties and other special occasions by keeping in touch and finding informal ways of getting together. Share your garden’s veggies, host a barbeque or start a neighborhood game night.

Kids give a neighborhood character. Get the kids on your block involved in creative ways. Plan a kite flying day, a street art competition (using chalk of course) or even invite a local bike shop to offer a safety clinic for the kids.

Create a map of your block. A map can be useful for planning neighborhood events and block parties or assisting crime-prevention efforts.

Meet with other parents and share concerns.

Take an interest in youth in your neighborhood. Let them know you care.

Get together over a meal.

Organize car pools.

Organize a child care co-op.

Urge kids to stay in school. Help with their homework.

Go to teacher conferences and other school meetings with neighbors.

Get to know the kids on your block. Learn their names.

Fight neighborhood crime. Work with the local police department to set up a citizen patrol.

Organize regular clean ups to keep your neighborhood free of litter and vandalism.

Organize a study circle in your neighborhood for residents to share their concerns and ideas, form new friendships and take action to solve problems.

Teach young people and newcomers about special characteristics of the neighborhood such as historic landmarks.

Make an effort to ensure every group of people has a say in issues affecting the neighborhood.

Develop projects where neighbors can work together toward a common goal.

Honor a basic level of respect and privacy.

Make an effort to get to know neighbors.

Support local businesses.

Volunteer at neighborhood schools, community centers and local organizations such as food banks.

Be a mentor to young people in the neighborhood.

Think about the skills and talent you can share with the neighborhood. Conduct a survey to identify the hidden skills and talents of all neighbors.

Remain informed of local issues affecting the neighborhood.

Get to know local police officers.

Get neighbors to work together on projects benefiting the less fortunate.

Create a community center for the neighborhood.

Create a neighborhood newsletter or get involved with the local newspaper.

Find ways to bring young people and adults together. Ask youths to pick up groceries for homebound seniors.

Encourage neighbors and landlords to maintain their property. Present awards for outstanding renovation, landscaping and decoration.

Host holiday celebrations based on the ethnic and religious traditions of neighbors.

Conduct progressive dinners where five or six households share a potluck meal with one course at each neighbor’s house.

Observe local leash laws.

Empty excess water collecting in pots, buckets and containers that can attract and breed mosquitoes.

Clean up after your pets.

Do occasional favors for neighbors to help build a positive relationship.

Respond promptly and genuinely to complaints by communicating directly, but gently with neighbors.