How to start a neighborhood walk
To start a neighborhood walk, pick a regular time that works for you, a meeting spot a few minutes from home, and a theme people care about. Post it where neighbors with that interest already gather, and open each walk with quick introductions. Expect to start small: Bridgette's Tuesday walk in Oakland began with two people and now usually has three to seven.
Pick a time that works for you first.
You're the one constant, so the walk has to fit your week. Bridgette's is Tuesdays at 7:30 AM, which gives us a walk, some time outdoors and some company before starting work from home.
Start close to home.
We meet at Studio One Art Center, a short walk from home for the host. Close matters for walkers too: people who had to drive to the start usually didn't come back.
Give it a theme.
In summer we picked foraging, because the neighborhood is full of fruit trees and it interested us. Next we're planning a walk to collect plant cuttings. A good theme pulls people further than you'd expect: some drove up to 20 minutes for one that caught their interest.
Post where the interest already lives.
Our post in a local permaculture group brought more walkers than the one in a foraging group. Try groups next to your theme, not only the obvious one.
Keep it small.
Two people came to Bridgette's first walk. Most weeks we see three or four, sometimes six or seven, and around ten feels like a good maximum for a walk where people actually talk.
Open with introductions.
Before we start, everyone says who they are and what brings them to the walk. Bridgette and I share honestly why we walk, including loneliness and safety, and that makes it easier for others to be themselves. During the walk we split up so each of us can get a new walker talking about their life.
Why it's worth it.
People tell us they love meeting their neighbors, hearing each other's stories and seeing the neighborhood through someone else's eyes. Walking outside together makes neighborhoods safer and healthier.
Start yours with Togetherhood.
Togetherhood is a free app for starting walks with your neighbors, friends, and community.