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.
So even traditional community outreach programs don’t solve the root issue of dysfunction: people are reluctant to connect outside of friends and families.
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 more 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.
Essentially, happy people become happy communities. Your community’s reputation as a happy community will attract more citizens and more economic activity.
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.
We have a team of community development experts and scientists that collaborate with citizens who identify as a “Good Neighbour Builders“. Our goal is to integrate a process of connecting neighbours through ordinary citizens so there is a permanent part of community culture.
You bring your experience as a trainer, facilitator or coach passionate about making your community a thriving space. We provide the expertise, 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 communities 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 can’t do this alone”
We lead you through a framework that recruits other Good Neighbour Builders to help you succeed.
“I’m not sure if this will work in my community”
It has worked in several communities like Windsor NS, Ellershouse NS, and even 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.
What does it cost?
We understand the pressure to keep tax rates low. Our funding model includes co-applying for grants that leverage your investment up to 10 times.
What is the time commitment?
We form a partnership with members of your community administration. We train your delegates to manage the process over the long term so that the shift to a belonging, caring and supportive culture becomes stronger and more entrenched over time. This doesn’t involve more work, it involves doing things differently.
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.
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..