Ruth Brush, MD
Yes! Presidents Jimmy Carter, Richard Nixon, and Gerald Ford recognized it by proclamation, but following 9/11 Congress added it to the national calendar, to be celebrated on Sept. 28, to help “reinforce the strength of our communities and show our resolve to be united as a nation.”
While working to better prepare our community for unexpected events, the Robson Residents Emergency Preparedness Club discovered research revealing that social capital, the bonds that connect us to each other, are as important as physical factors like damage levels in disaster survival and recovery. Nearby residents are often the first people on the scene who can provide immediate rescue, medical aid, or shared resources before official help arrives. Getting to know your neighbors is an important step in every neighborhood preparedness program.
While Robson Ranch residents enjoy many social connections through clubs and activities, how well do we know our closest neighbors? To foster neighborhood connections, and thereby our resilience to emergencies and disasters, the Robson Residents Emergency Preparedness Club is organizing a National Good Neighbor Day (Eve!) Sunday Stroll on Sept. 27 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. No sign-up, no schedule, no pressure … just head outside and see how many neighbors you can meet! Or if you prefer to stay home, bring a chair out front and let the neighbors come to you!
Knowing your neighbors isn’t just about being friendly—it’s about creating a community support system. Hope to see you all out and about at the Sunday Stroll!