HARD HIT ISSUE #1 – OCTOBER 2025
Security, Defense and Wellness
Get To Know Those Who Are Around You
“The part can never be well unless the whole is well” Plato
This is true for society as it is for the body. One of the most powerful tools against crime is a tight knit neighborhood. When we become part of a group, we feel a sense of kinship, camaraderie and connectedness.
Get to know those around you. Building community means the individuals in the community will take care of their members and vice versa. High levels of trust and psychological safety can be present in strong communities. In a world where face to face interactions are becoming more and more rare these days being replaced with online exchanges it is important to rekindle our ability to be human. By getting to know your neighbors, you will find out who shares your interests, concerns, do they have medical issues, or they might not be a safe person in the event of an emergency. You don’t need to be best friends with everyone, but you should get along with them. It is vitally important to know these things to make a plan for you and your community to be safe. Also you will be able to figure out what skills sets each neighbor has which could prove very useful in the event of a crime, a disaster or just simply swapping talents to get things done. If you don’t know your neighbor (s) it is time to introduce yourself. It does not have to be awkward. A good way to meet them is to hang out in the front yard. This can give off a welcoming vibe that encourages interaction when people walk by. W
hen a new family moves in make it a point to welcome them. A nice way of doing this is by bringing them a gift basket with baked goods, flowers, soap, kitchen towels etc. You could also make them a list of some of the fun places, good coffee shops, and/or recommendations for entertainment. There are some fun first steps one can do to start bringing community back into your neighborhood. Such as a free library, or it can be a theme such as trading seeds and plant books. If you have a garden have a free produce box, or better yet try to start a community garden. Also the neighborhood could join the community watch program.
The last thing I would like to say is don’t be that neighbor meaning be respectful even if you don’t agree on politics, religion, diets etc. There is a place for all of us. A world of all of us agreeing would mean none of us would ever grow. It is also important to be that neighbor who drives like there are children living there, clean up after your dog, are conscious of you noise levels, do your best to maintain your property, and respect boundaries. If issues do arise address your neighbor directly, don’t let problems fester, don’t gossip, don’t retaliate and DON’T POST ON THE INTERNET. Also (if there is no immediate danger or safety issue) avoid calling the authorities to report the problem without first trying to work it out with your neighbor directly.
We as humans need community and connection. Our mental and physical health literally depends on
being part of a strong and capable community. By taking action in building your neighborhood community this will strengthen your security, and possibly your sustainability in the event of an emergency.
