Our neighborhood is changing- a few questions for people of all backgrounds?

Question

I know this isn't religion- but I want instant gratification. You all answer immediately. And it is related to religion in a way, as churches could play a part in helping the neighborhood.

1. Kids of all races used to play together in our neighborhood. However, once they hit 7th-8th grade they start breaking up into grups based on race. Is there any way to encourage the kids to still cross racial boundries for friendship?

2. We are seeing more and more poverty, single parents, drugs and crime. What are some ways we can be a force for good in our neighborhood?

3. What can we do to encourage people to stay in our neighborhood? We don't want "White flight" to occur- we would prefer a blended community where people become close- no matter what skin color or language they speak.

Michael P- can you email me with more info on the youth group? Our church has one- but we don't know how to get kids from different ethnicities involved.

Answer 1

I will answer #2. The way to become a positive force in your neighborhood is to get involved in teaching people to read. If you can't find people who need help, there are always children who need help with their reading. Encourage others and build them up.

Answer 2

This is what I think coming from a predominately drug ridden, minority neighborhood, and being of a racial majorority.
1) One if you have your own children encourage them to invite ALL friends over and teach them the color of skin dosen't count. People are people and we all bleed red. Also though keep in mind at this point in their lives kids do succomb to peer pressure and they are trying to discover who they are, so this will happen, but given time most will out grow it.
2) Don't be overly forceful about it, but form a sort of support group for the singles. Most single parents are over burdened with work, stress, and the crises in their lives and family support is not always there. Let them know they are not alone, and begin a neighborhood watch.
3) Nobody wants one color to leave a community, but areas change. In 20 years it could be completely different.
* Always remember it takes a village to raise a child, not just a family.

Answer 3

Well it is hard once they are that old. If they are splitting up after they are together then there is a cultural difference that comes out later that is doing it.

Get with the police and organize neighborhood watches. If you are really active, especially against drugs, that will push it out.

That is a tough one. I would leave. There just is no point in staying in a deteriorating neighborhood and watching the investment in the house decline. It usually just keeps sliding unless something happens to bring the property values up so the trouble makers can't afford to live there. By that I mean trouble almost always equals poor. Now it isn't necessarily true the other way, but most responsible people are not poor in the US. There is just to much opportunity here.

Answer 4

Block parties........ make YOUR home open to all kids....... start out small of course and work your way up....... encourage meetings between families..... talk about these issues, even if only 2 people show up, keep trying......... start a clean up team, get the kids envolved...... and parents..... have a *best yard* award..... a meal for 4 at a small and inexpensive place........ or just a plaque to show off by the front door, a pretty home made one at first........ have game day for the parents and kids, many families have to *re-learn* how to be families......... put your ideas on paper and post a copy on each front door...... get in-put from those around you........... there are web sites I am sure to help with ideas........ google it !!!!! good luck to you....... go in peace......... God bless
PS.... neighborhood watch information can be gotten from your local law enforcment !!!!!!!

Answer 5

If there is graffiti and broken glass, etc., and the city can't keep up the neighbourhood, could you organize some kind of neighbourhood improvement group?

Words are cheap. Action speaks louder!

My son heads up an inter-racial teen group at our church that does socialize and have fun, on top of bible lessons. This will get old lementary school buddies talking again.

Pray for those poor folks, and get your church to have a monthly food drive to help out the neighbourhood's "food bank", if you have one (or create one if you don't).

Answer 6

I live in a city too and gangs become an issue once our kids hit middle school. I have 14 year old son and I am watching that very closely.

I am also a single parent and I never pursued his father for anything.

My son was a victim of racism when he was younger because he was one of very few white kids in the school. He has since found his own place and is accepted. thank goodness.

Answer 7

There is nothing you can do since the movements you described are generated not from a reaction to events but rather from deep rooted feelings and beliefs.

Since these these changes have started they will continue until your neighborhood is no longer recognizable to you. You can stay and weathered the storm or you can also move on and find the kind of neighborhood that's comfortable to you.

Answer 8

You need to create some community activities. Such as a block party, bake sale. To encourage people to stay you need to get the police involved to keep the drugs and crime down and keep the neighborhood clean.

Answer 9

Culture is as diverse as races and divides a community. To be truly integrated, one would have to be totally tolerant of all beliefs and cultures. When you can teach this to your children and someone else's you will have accomplished what your government can't control. Understanding why we are different and celebrating those differences would be ideal but unrealistic with any society as it exists at this time.

Answer 10

Do to the graphic rise in racism in the news "Jena6" children are inadvertently becoming desensitized about racial disparities. They are beginning to think as our ancestors did and no I'm not talking Dr. King. We need to form organization that take children from different backgrounds and help them to experience the life styles of there counter parts. We need to educate our children on equality. We need to show them that underneath the skin is a heart that beats the same as all hearts across the world. We need to watch the subliminal messages we send our children not even Knowing that we do so. Instead of pointing out our differences we need to point out or similarities. We need to enforce change instead of talking about it. We need to take our streets back With Courage instead of cowering in our homes as Murderers kill our children. If we stand for what we believe in instead of just thinking and talking about it we can make a difference. We need to believe in change in order to expect it.