Thriller Mom

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In Raleigh With Nextdoor, Verizon, & Their Big Neighborhood Meetup Event

Tandra Wilkerson

How well do you know your neighbors or the people in your community? I'll go first… not very well.

My neighbors & I speak, wave, smile, have held brief conversations & helped one another when necessary, but that's the extent of it. There haven't been dinner invites or hangouts. And this has honestly been my comfort zone.

Over the past year, I've made a habit of stepping out of those comfort traps. Life is more exciting outside of them. It's awesome when events like the #BigNeighborhoodMeetup helps us do that with ease.

Are you familiar with Nextdoor? If not, it's a social networking service that helps bring communities together whether for business or pleasure. It's a way to stay connected within your surrounding area & cultivate relationships.

If you're unaware (as I was), National Neighbor Day is September 28th. It became an official day of observance in 1978. Nextdoor turned September into “Neighbor Month“ in efforts to encourage connection within communities. That can mean anything from taking a walk together, checking out new places in your neighborhood, or a simple play date between your kids.

That's what the #BigNeighborhoodMeetup is all about!

And Nextdoor, in partnership with Verizon & their #ACallForKindness initiative, planned these events in four cities throughout September: Chicago, Houston, Raleigh, & Oakland. When they reached out asking if I'd be interested in covering the Raleigh meetup, it was a no-brainer for me.

I've written a lot this year about saying “ YES.“ That's just where I am at this point in life. Meeting new people, going new places, seeing new things. At Raleigh's neighborhood event, my family & I were happy to leave our comfort zones behind. We mingled, danced a little, played games, ate a lot, & if THAT wasn't enough… my oldest daughter grabbed a mic & made her (unexpected) singing debut!

My big girl was nervous but the community rallied around her. People cheered her on & helped push her through. I have tears in my eyes just thinking about it. Only we know the journey it has been to get her to this point of self-confidence. And that, my friends, is one blessing the #BigNeighborhoodMeetup gifted us.

Nextdoor also gave our community the biggest blessing of handling all details. There was an amazing DJ who kept us vibing to all genres of music. Verizon was on site with service specials to help neighbors stay in touch after the event.

I did mention the food right??? DELICIOUS!!! Do yourself a f(l)avor… look up Flattz food truck and Will & Pops food truck. They know how to do your taste buds right.

Games & the bouncy house made this event an even bigger win for kids & families overall. There was also a bouncy house, face painting, balloon twisting, jumbo Jenga & Checkers games, cornhole sets, & small goodies given out at various booths.

We made many connections & hope to turn them into something more. It was refreshing meeting new people from across our state of North Carolina as well as some from California. A truly fantastic time.

The last event planned by Nextdoor & Verizon is this weekend (9/24/22) in Oakland, C.A. but that doesn't mean the party has to end! Your community can plan your own get-together anytime. If you're serious about it, also start planning now to be prepared for National Neighbor Day on September 28th.

Again, a huge thanks to the Nextdoor staff, Verizon, & Raleigh officials for the invitation. And much appreciation for the photographers, videographers, & all others involved in making this a community celebration. It was much-needed fun!

And if you'd like to support my oldest as she takes more steps in her singing career, follow her here. Next, I'll introduce you to the artistic talents of my youngest. My oh my… these girls are so talented.