The Good Neighbor Pledge
positive steps for 2018
A new year brings with it resolutions – often which are quickly abandoned by February when old habits rear their ugly heads. Resolving to do something new or quitting to do something you’ve been doing for way too long is not an easy task. That’s why we make such a big deal about making resolutions in the first place. So with that in mind, forget losing weight or saving money or getting organized, start with something small and simple that may in fact affect your overall quality of life. Be a better neighbor.
South Boston is an amazing neighborhood, rich in history and filled with some of the best people you’ll ever meet. Over the last few years we’ve seen Southie evolve and change through new development and an influx of new residents. There is a new energy pulsating through our community and whether you’ve lived here your entire life or just moved in last week, you can feel it. That’s what makes Southie the best neighborhood in Boston.
For 2018, let’s work to be better neighbors – kinder, more mindful, caring neighbors. Introduce yourself to the people who live next door to you. Help shovel out your neighbor’s car. Clear the sidewalk in front of your house, even though you might just rent an apartment. Shop local. Pick up trash if you see some on the street. Check in on your elderly neighbors – see if they need something at the supermarket or shovel out their car. Smile and say good morning. Join your neighborhood civic association and get involved.
We are officially in snowstorm season, be mindful of the fact that we all understand how difficult it is to park in our neighborhood. Don’t take advantage of the spot saver system. Don’t retaliate if someone is taking advantage. Take the higher road and talk to your neighbors. Hopefully, your neighbors will listen to reason and not flip out on you. Keep an open mind and be compassionate. These are tiny shifts that might just make a big change in our neighborhood – especially in the winter.
So what do you say, Southie? Will you take the good neighbor pledge? If you will, pass this on to your friends, family and neighbors. Post it on Facebook and tweet it out for all to read. Tell everyone that you will be the best neighbor you can be in 2015. “Hey, Southie! I am a good neighbor.” Wear it like a badge of honor.
17 Comments
Comments are closed.
screw you Rocky ha ha
Happy New Year
These Yuppies don’t even own a shovel, how are they going to shovel their neighbor’s car?
How about being a better neighbor by helping out the kids in your community??? I’m an academic mentor for Boston Partners in Education a nonprofit organization that has been placing community volunteers in Boston Public Schools for 50 years. They have many, many school partners in South Boston that currently need volunteers to tutor kids in the classroom, once a week for an hour. I promise it will be the best hour of your week. When you see the impact you are making on these kids lives, kids who sometimes have no one else to help them out, it is very fulfilling. Education is such a hot button issue right now due to the election. Citizens need to hold themselves more accountable for making progress. Help the students stay in school and graduate, ensure they can lead Boston into a successful future!!!! You can apply to become a volunteer online at www.bostonpartners.org.
I guess they won’t be using spot savers. Haha
Please stop with the generalizations. Its these kinds of comments that are the antithesis of what this article is about. I am young (27), and live in the city (urban), and I have a job (professional), so by the definition of the word Yuppie (not yuppee, if you get the recent reference), you would probably consider me one. And yes, I own a shovel! And yes, I’ve helped my neighbors shovel out cars, walk ways, etc. I also don’t whine to the city or the police about the parking situation, or my neighbors, I talk to them. This hatred is so unfounded and unncessarry, and its stressing both sides out for no reason. It can end, we can bridge the gap.
if you have a shovel, you should help your neighbors. This is what the good people of Southie have done for years. Why do the Newbies have to be told this? You help your neighbors? That’s good, what do you want a medal?
I (yuppie) shoveled my neighbor's sidewalk and steps. They returned the favor by making me cookies. We also shared a glass of wine and chatted for a few. Perfect!
The yuppadoodles are just passing through. Give them a couple of years and they'll be moving on. No more incessant whining.
I (yuppie) shoveled my neighbor's sidewalk and steps. They returned the favor by making me cookies. We also shared a glass of wine and chatted for for a few. Perfect!
I'll give you another generalization. For generations people in Southie cared about each other and took care of each other. Families helped each other out. Your neighbors mother was like your own mother. She fed you, took care of your cuts and bruises, and sometime even played with you. The difference with you self-centered Yuppadoodles is nobody cares about you.
I parked in an unmarked spot 2 years ago. The person's chair was on the sidewalk and it was 2 weeks after the storm so natural to assume they had pulled their saver back. The next night I had $4,000 worth of damage to my car by way of keying, broken head and tail lights, and a dented fender.
As a yuppie and a DINK (Duel Income, No Kids) I happily help my neighbors shovel. I also live on a corner, and I shovel the corner so someone can use the ramp in the sidewalk if they have to. Please also shovel out any fire hydrant near you. Please also stop hating on yuppies. Better to hate on those people who don't pick up after their dogs, especially on snowy days.
You care enough to hate people you don't know. And that is the issue. It's not too late to change and regain that neighborly love you clearly miss.
These arguments are so tired. Come up with something logical and with even a speck of truth and maybe we can have a conversation.
I saw a a Yuppie chick shoveling out her car with a dustpan.