Share Your Stories on Neighbor Day

Seattle Department of Neighborhoods invites all Seattle residents to celebrate Neighbor Day on Saturday, May 6, by indulging in and amplifying acts of kindness in their community. Neighbor Day is a special day set aside to reach out to neighbors, make new friends, and express thanks to those who help make our city a great place to live. Residents, businesses, and community groups throughout Seattle are all invited to participate.

Neighbor Day began in 1995, when Phinney Ridge activist Judith Wood suggested that the City of Seattle designate “a special day to celebrate the goodness in those around us and to reach out and strengthen our bonds to each other.” Mayor Norm Rice proclaimed this Neighbor Appreciation Day, and the observance has continued every year since.

“As we continue to rebuild and reconnect after several challenging years, Neighbor Day is the perfect reminder of the power of community and kindness,” said Sam Read, Director of Communications at Seattle Department of Neighborhoods. “The stories we hear from community every year highlight the ways community members across Seattle have gone above and beyond to give back to others and strengthen their communities.”

Here’s how you can participate:

• Share Your Stories—Neighbor Day is the perfect opportunity to amplify the acts of kindness you have experienced and honor the people who have gone the extra mile to support their community. Be sure to share stories to inspire others. Use #NeighborDay and #OneSeattle on social media to tell us about an act of kindness you performed or witnessed.
• Nominate Your Neighbor—If there is a person, business, or organization that you would like to honor, we encourage you to nominate them for Neighbor Day recognition! Submit a nomination at https://forms.office.com/g/evc87a73yM. In the week leading up to Neighbor Day, Seattle Department of Neighborhoods will highlight your stories on their social media platforms, newsletter, blog, and in local media.
• Perform Acts of Kindness—Neighbor Day provides the perfect opportunity to reconnect with neighbors, friends, and communities through small acts of generosity.  Here are a few ideas:
  • Host or lead a volunteer effort in your neighborhood for One Seattle Day of Service on May 20. Register at https://www.seattle.gov/mayor/one-seattle-initiatives/day-of-service.
  • Host a neighborhood potluck.
  • Buy and deliver groceries for a neighbor in need.
  • Organize a game, sporting event, block party, or group art project.
  • Have a neighborhood treasure hunt.
  • Start a Neighborhood Joy Board or outdoor art gallery.
  • Help neighbors that are homebound with yard work/weeding.
  • Organize a neighborhood cleanup effort.
  • Drop flowers or a thank you note at a neighbor’s mailbox/walkway.
  • Cook a meal or make a treat for your neighbors.
  • Create a Little Free Pantry in your neighborhood.
  • Organize a food drive for your local food bank.

For more information about Neighbor Day, visit seattle.gov/neighborhoods/public-participation/neighbor-day  or contact Sam Read, Seattle Department of Neighborhoods, at sam.read@seattle.gov.