What do you love about the place you call home? Is it about knowing the neighbors, having a thriving downtown area or local businesses to enjoy? When asked what matters most to them, local residents will often reply that connections to people is one of the most important aspects of a good community.
Here are some sweet ideas for the month of February and Valentine’s Day to spread happiness all around your town or city. "30 Days of Love" is about celebrating all kinds of appreciation for neighbors, caring individuals, leaders and area business owners.
• Create simple award certificates in Word such as Most Cheerful Store Owner, Friendliest Neighbor, Best Bus Driver, etc. Print and distribute with a smile.
• Distribute heart-shaped notepads around town with signage asking residents to write what they love most about their neighborhood. Post the hearts in a designated public space or fill the windows of participating businesses.
• Show to love to favorite places where you live and spend with valuable contributors to the local economy - your neighborhood businesses!
• Celebrate exceptional people who make your town or city better. Recognize the dedicated work of someone in your town today.
• Invite the community to participate in a "love for local" movement by displaying heart-shaped signs. Encourage artistic endeavors, children's drawings and positive messages and ask residents to post their photos online with a special hashtag. Share submitted pictures on the Facebook page and website for the town.
• Share ideas from this "Shop Local • Live Local" Valentine's Day board on Pinterest
• Ten Reasons Why I Love My Community
• Check out these printable templates for making a Valentine's coupon.
• 10 Ways to Share the Love in Your Community this Valentine’s Day: Saint Valentine clearly touched many lives, so why do we think of this day as a time to celebrate the love of one person? Why not make Valentine’s Day a great excuse to highlight what we love about our communities? Remember elementary school, when we had to bring in valentines for the entire class. Why not extend our sharing of kindness and appreciation to our entire communities? Showing your community that you love and care can build a stronger sense of pride and respect in your town.
• Images to share via Facebook: Valentine's Day is Sweeter at Independent Businesses
• See this sweet blog post: "February - The Love Month"
• From the risk-taking and ambitious nature of entrepreneurs to the flexibility and tight-knit culture, there’s so much to love about local places. See "12 Reasons We Love Small Businesses"
• You may have noticed our "love for local" posts encouraging community interactions during February. Here is a fabulous, slam dunk of an idea for any town or city! Spread the positive vibes in the coming weeks and invite local residents and business owners to participate in this project. Community Spotlight: Love Letters for Local in Frederick, Maryland
• Download seasonal graphics like these two below on the American Independent Business Alliance website.
• Random Acts of Kindness Week takes place February 14th through the 20th. Random Acts of Kindness Day is observed on Wednesday, February 17th. See more at Action For Happiness
• 35 Love & Valentine’s Day Quotes for Small Business
• Why not document the history and evolution of your city? Ask the public to share stories, articles and old photographs to assemble an educational display. Check out this graphic too Tell the Story of Your Community
Ideas for community interaction and positive vibes: 3 Things You Can Do With the Kids to Brighten Your Neighborhood
• 5 Things to Do to Love Your Neighborhood More
• February idea for your town or neighborhood: Is There a Small Business That’s Special to You?
• "Small Business Love for Valentine's Day" blog post by Go Independent, Live Local USA
Are you feeling inspired?? There are no right or wrong ways to show gratitude and thankfulness to the people around us who make life better, and letting them know they are appreciated is like sharing a warm hug with your entire neighborhood. I wish you a wonderful month ahead and hope you are excited to share some love with your community today!
