Marketers often spend a lot of time analyzing and strategizing about online social media – the power of social networking, the trend of online communities. I, of course, support this fully and completely. However, put aside the often present self-important navel gazing for a moment and at the core of all of this you will find good old fashioned community. "Social Networking" is also known simply as "socializing". "Social Media" can be more commonly referred to as "chatting". Yesterday was a great opportunity for my offline community (aka my neighbours) to get together and "network" (aka socialize) at our first annual Street Party.
Often we are so busy with the hustle and bustle of our jam packed days that we don’t get the chance to really get to know the people who live just down the street. I recognize many of my neighbours and even stop and chat on occasion but, for the most part, it is a quick "good morning" or neighbourly smile as I rush off to this meeting or that activity. Yesterday was a chance to slow things down a bit, bring everyone together, and celebrate the beginning of summer.
The weather cooperated, the kids had a blast, and the company was top notch! Simple really, this whole Social Networking thing. Here are some pics from our fabulous day:
Nothing like the street closed off and a little road hockey.
Face painting and tattoos.
Nail salon station.
Basketball and Batman.
And sisters working together.
As a matter of fact, everyone worked together – set-up, take down, cooking and entertainment. Great fun was had by all! Community is powerful both on and offline.
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In my opinion you have misled.
Ooh! Ooh! I saw a similar idea in Canadian Family mag, I think and it’s on my Top 100 Things to Do Before I Die list: Plan an awesome block party, raising money for a great cause.
Our street used to have a “street party” with a bouncy castle, bbq, local fire truck appearance, then one year not enough of the neighbours signed up to participate! I think it’s time to revitilize the old tradition…
those pictures are so vibrant! looks like you live on an amazing street. I feel blessed by our neighbourhood here in the east end – every evening our cul de sac is filled with strollers, tricycles and groups of adults and kids chatting…it’s great to have that feeling of community in the big city!
i love that!! it’s so true…you can social network in real life too 😉 looks like FUN!
What does IRL mean?
Looks like a ton of fun Jen. I’ll have to walk along your street more often. There is a lot of action going on!
Wow, looks like so much fun! You’re so right that social networking is IRL, too, not just virtual. It’s great to be able to have BOTH in your life.