Community and Connection

Connect with Each Other: Together, We Build a Better Tomorrow

In our neighborhoods, towns, and cities, the power of our collective actions comes to life. Connected by both infrastructure and relationships, we can build supportive, resilient communities by taking actions that strengthen these bonds for a thriving future.

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Check In with a Friend or Colleague

Staying connected strengthens relationships and boosts well-being. Each day, I will reach out to (___) friends or colleagues to check in, have a meaningful conversation, or offer support.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

Building Bridges: A Toolkit for Meaningful Conversations and Effective Dialogue

How to Let In New Perspectives (The Science of Happiness Podcast)

Active Minds: How to Help a Friend
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DAILY ACTION
Meet My Neighbors

Strong neighborhoods are built on connection and trust. I will introduce myself to (___) neighbors or spend time getting to know people in my community.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

How to Meet Neighbors: Simple Tips for Getting Off on the Right Foot

A Neighborhood Revolution in a Pot of Soup

To Reduce Gun Violence, Know Thy Neighbor
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DAILY ACTION
Explore the Feed and Connect with Others

I will spend (___) minutes reading the Ecochallenge feed each day and giving high fives or commenting on posts by people who I don't know, but whose content inspires or interests me.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

Explore the Feed
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DAILY ACTION
Express Gratitude and Random Acts of Kindness

Small acts of kindness and gratitude can brighten someone's day and create a positive ripple effect. I will express gratitude to (___) people or perform (___) random acts of kindness to spread joy and connection.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

Kindness Ideas from the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation

Tips for Keeping a Gratitude Journal

14 Health Benefits of Practicing Gratitude According to Science
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DAILY ACTION
Join a Group

Belonging to a group can help build friendships and a sense of purpose. I will explore online or in-person groups or clubs that share my interests or goals and join a group to connect with others.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

Find Local Groups Based on Shared Interests with Meetup

Find Opportunities to Volunteer Near You

(Film Recommendation) Documentary on Why You Should Join a Club
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ONE-TIME ACTION
Attend a Local Event

Local events such as farmers' markets, festivals, or community meetings like town halls are great ways to feel part of a community. I will attend (___) community events to connect with others and learn more about my area.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

Eventbrite: Discover Events Near You

Farmers Market Directory
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ONE-TIME ACTION
Host a Gathering

Bringing people together helps strengthen bonds. I will organize and host a gathering, such as a potluck, coffee meet up, or shared meal, for friends, family, colleagues, or neighbors to foster connection and community spirit.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

How to Host a Neighborhood Meet and Greet

Tips for Hosting a Potluck

How to Host a Community Event and Ideas for Events
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ONE-TIME ACTION
Keep My Community Clean

A clean community benefits everyone. Each day I am outside, I will pick up (___) pieces of litter to keep my community clean.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

Five Ways to Make Your Cleanup More Sustainable

The Importance of Picking Up Garbage

What You Can Learn from Picking Up Trash
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DAILY ACTION
Support Local Businesses

Supporting local businesses helps keep communities vibrant and resilient. I will choose to shop at (___) local businesses or restaurants, with a focus on businesses owned by people of color, local farmers, or community members.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

How to Find Black-Owned Businesses

USDA's Local Food Directory

Four Tips to Make it Easier to Shop Locally
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DAILY ACTION
Share Information about Local Resources

Knowledge of local resources helps communities thrive. I will learn about local resources, especially mutual aid groups, and share them with others on social media, in conversations, or in other ways that help spread the word.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

What is Mutual Aid?

Find and Share Information about Mutual Aid Groups Near You

Find Local Organizations, Nonprofits, and Services with Idealist
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ONE-TIME ACTION
Explore My Area

Discovering what’s nearby fosters a deeper connection to my community. I will explore (___) new places in my area, such as parks, historical sites, or local businesses.

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ONE-TIME ACTION
Visit or Learn About a Culturally Significant Site Near Me

Sites of cultural and spiritual significance hold deep meaning for many communities, particularly Indigenous peoples. I will learn about or visit a site near me that is significant to the history, culture, or environment of the area. I will approach my visit with respect by researching its importance and guidelines beforehand, reflecting on how we can preserve these spaces for future generations.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

Learn about Indigenous Lands and Culturally Significant Locations Near You

Learn About and Find Sacred Natural Sites Worldwide

National Park Service List of American Indian Sites
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ONE-TIME ACTION
Learn About the Connection Between Social and Environmental Justice

Environmental and social justice are deeply connected. I will spend (___) minutes learning about how environmental issues affect communities differently (especially communities of color) and explore solutions that promote equity and address both social and environmental challenges.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

Environmental Justice Explained

Search for Grassroots and Intersectional Organizations in Your Area to Take Action

Explore Case Studies: The Interwoven Paths of Environmental and Social Justice
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DAILY ACTION
Offer a Skill or Service

Sharing our talents can benefit those around us. I will offer my skills or services to support my community, such as helping someone with a task, tutoring, repairing something, or volunteering my expertise.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

Find Opportunities to Share Your Skills as a Volunteer

Find Opportunities to Become a Mentor

Five Ways to Share Your Skills with Others
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ONE-TIME ACTION
Swap and Share with Others

Swapping and sharing resources reduces waste and builds community bonds. I will participate in (___) swaps or sharing activities, like borrowing items, attending or hosting a swap meet, or giving away items I no longer need to support a sharing economy with friends, family, colleagues or neighbors.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

Connect with Your Local Community to Swap and Share Items for Free with BuyNothing

Explore Freecycle Network where People Give and Receive Items to Reduce Waste

How to Set Up a Neighborhood Sharing Network
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ONE-TIME ACTION
CREATE A CUSTOM ACTION

Ideally, you’ll choose at least one measurable goal so that you can measure your success but there are no limits on what you can choose—so exercise your creativity!

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