Transform your community from “where I live” to “where I belong”. In a safe and lasting way.
Bring your community together through the power of neighbours with the Good Neighbour Method.
How do you make it normal for citizens to care for each other in a disconnected age?
Citizens want connection, but here’s the challenge: getting to know your neighbors often feels awkward, even inappropriate. Traditional outreach programs fail to address the root issue—many people are reluctant to engage outside their immediate circles of friends and family.
Traditional community outreach programs don’t solve the root issue of dysfunction: we have created a culture where we are supposed to be independent, self-reliant and ‘mind-your-own-business’.
For true belonging to take root, we need a cultural mindset shift.
Everyone benefits when we prioritize community goals
The benefits that come with citizens having a sense of well-being are well documented. Individuals are physically and mentally healthier. They become more likely to engage in volunteerism. The wider community attracts newcomers, has fewer nuisance calls and greater respect for each other. And greater social engagement creates more economic activity.
People are happier and are more likely to look out for each other.
But is it possible?
There is no “They Should”; There is only “We Should”
Our governments will not lead the change that makes our communities more socially connected, belonging and caring. It takes a big “We Should” to make this kind of change. It takes people like you bringing the change to your community.
Introducing the Good Neighbour Method: transforming communities into thriving spaces of belonging.
The Good Neighbour Method was developed by a team of community development experts and scientists. It has proven track record for shifting the culture of communities so that it is normal for neighbours to know, care about and support each other. We collaborate with citizens who identify as “Good Neighbour Builders”, people who are passionate about their community and have the skills to train or facilitate or coach others.
As a trainer, or facilitator or coach passionate about your community, you have everything you need.. We provide the process, training, coaching, tools, and support necessary to ensure the success of transforming your community into a Good Neighbour Community.
We also addressed the 3 most common obstacles you may face in order to turn strangers into connected neighbours:
“I’m not a community development expert”
You bring your passion, we bring a proven process, comprehensive training, and marketing materials to support you in the project.
“I want change but I don’t want to do this alone”
As a Good Neighbour Builder, you are part of an organization where you get to meet other Good Neighbour Builders and have the support of our experts.
“I’m not sure if this will work in my community”
It has worked in both small and large communities like Windsor and Halifax in Nova Scotia, and in Kolkata, India. It will work in your community as well.
Psychology-driven community building at your fingertips
The Good Neighbour Method is the brainchild of Barry Braun and Dr. Bruce Dienes. Together, their insights empower the community with a method that not only enhances neighbour relationships but also builds a sustainable, vibrant community ethos. The process is founded in science and experience.
Dr. Bruce Dienes, an adjunct professor of psychology at Mount Saint Vincent University, has dedicated his career to enhancing community dynamics and resilience. His work includes pioneering strategies to shift cultural norms. His deep understanding of community interaction is pivotal to the framework of the Good Neighbour Method.
Barry Braun brings over three decades of experience in coaching leaders across entrepreneurial and governmental spheres to shift and enrich organizational cultures.
Cultural shift made possible through accessible training… and a special little app.
1. Support a core group of citizens to plant the seeds of change.
Together, they will have what they need to do the things that cause people to come together as a supportive community. They will have the tools and understanding of how to shift culture, how to develop meaningful community, how to motivate people to want to belong, and how to move people out of fear and into action.
2. Connect citizens to each other safely via the Good Neighbour App
The Good Neighbour App is the new doorbell! Citizens can communicate without having to divulge phone numbers, email addresses or social media accounts. Now they can safely ask for help, create or attend social events that bring them together, and share news and ideas that helps them thrive.
3. Build momentum; watch happiness bloom; let citizens shape their community.
Once the Good Neighbour Method hits the milestone you have set, we safely ease ourselves out of the process. Now your community is operating on its own positive flywheel. Citizens are empowered to address what matters to them, as their connected and aligned community grows and expands for generations to come.
Join our 1,277 (and counting!) readers who get monthly resources to inspire community change, updates on current Method projects, and upcoming infosessions.
More details about the Method
What does it cost?
We don’t expect you to pay for the training. This is about building a partnership to change the culture of our communities. We do ask for a $200 commitment fee to show you are committed to building this partnership with us and we expect you to invest a modest amount of time into the training. Payment plan available
What is the time commitment?
That depends on the size of your community. Let’s talk about it!
How will we know it’s working?
Together, we identify the more important and correlate it to our “Connectedness Matrix”. This is based on how connected citizens are, and how frequently they communicate with each other. We track this while remaining compliant to each individual’s privacy.
Will I be paid?
Yes. There are two phases to the training. While you go through phase 1 of the training, together we raise the project funding. Once we receive the project funding you will be paid as a professional for the time you put in to changing the culture of your community.
How will we know it’s working?
We have sophisticated tools for measuring the amount of connected ness that shifts over time. But the real way you will know it works is – you will feel the difference in your community and the citizens of your community will talk differently about their community.
The power of unity: thoughts and experiences on bringing large groups of people together
Thoughts from community leaders around the world on the state of neighbours.
The Canadian community of Ellershouse talk about building a community park during Covid.
Warden Zebian shares how West Hants, a Canadian municipality, was transformed.
We are thankful for the support and partnership with the following organizations
Have we piqued your curiosity?
Connectedness and belonging are fundamental to happy communities. It is the greatest gift you can give to your community. Start a conversation with us now. Contact Barry Braun by calling +1-902-830-6569 or filling out the form below..