My completely uneducated guesses would be
- campaign for whatever local government you deem aligns with your value if they aren't controlling your area
- create value and employment
Easier said than done, I'm doing none of these
Ask HN: As a person, what can I do to improve a city?
11–20 of 346 posts
Re: Ask HN: As a person, what can I do to improve a city?
#12Real life Saw.
Re: Ask HN: As a person, what can I do to improve a city?
#13"community organizer" is not a bad word. It means that you should walk into your local YMCA, public library, boys and girls club, food pantry, homeless shelter, religious center, etc. of your choosing, find someone who looks like they're too busy and thus must be in charge, and say "Hi, I'm Bob. I have Mondays free for the foreseeable future. What do you need?"
Then, pay attention, show up every Monday promptly on time, and see where you wind up.
Re: Ask HN: As a person, what can I do to improve a city?
#14Pick up litter around your block. Smile and wave to neighbors. Become active in and or donate to community projects. Spread a general sense of kindness and support to others near you. These are the smallest and easiest things you can do that'll have an impact on people.
I echo this. I read someplace (can't recall now where) that once people see other trash in an area they are more likely to litter there themselves. Few people want to be the first to litter in the park, but if it is full of litter then who cares right?
Re: Ask HN: As a person, what can I do to improve a city?
#15Pick up litter around your block. Smile and wave to neighbors. Become active in and or donate to community projects. Spread a general sense of kindness and support to others near you. These are the smallest and easiest things you can do that'll have an impact on people.
This is the correct answer. Lead by example, start a movement and the political solutions will follow.
Re: Ask HN: As a person, what can I do to improve a city?
#16Poor and dangerous cities usually suffer from a lack of institutional capital.
Historically the answer would be: go to church. More likely you’re not religious, so go to a similar regular event that places you in touch with your neighbors in the city. Join a committee or a choir or a volunteer group or arts group or the like that serves the community.
Do not join an organization dedicated solely to political advancement of its preferred party, at least not as a substitute for this. It is at serious risk of being more about power and less about helping, particularly in a bottom-ten city, and will be an inferior way to gain social capital and trust. If you do join one later you can use your connections to the community to make power more accountable to the community.
Re: Ask HN: As a person, what can I do to improve a city?
#17Pick up litter around your block. Smile and wave to neighbors. Become active in and or donate to community projects. Spread a general sense of kindness and support to others near you. These are the smallest and easiest things you can do that'll have an impact on people.
I echo this. I read someplace (can't recall now where) that once people see other trash in an area they are more likely to litter there themselves. Few people want to be the first to litter in the park, but if it is full of litter then who cares right?
I think you're remembering the broken windows theory [0], is that right? The a theory that visible signs of crime, anti-social behavior, and civil disorder create an urban environment that encourages further crime and disorder.
Re: Ask HN: As a person, what can I do to improve a city?
#18Put on a sexy spandex suit and go kick some ass at night XD
Re: Ask HN: As a person, what can I do to improve a city?
#19Put on a sexy spandex suit and go kick some ass at night XD
underrated answer.
Re: Ask HN: As a person, what can I do to improve a city?
#20Pick up litter around your block. Smile and wave to neighbors. Become active in and or donate to community projects. Spread a general sense of kindness and support to others near you. These are the smallest and easiest things you can do that'll have an impact on people.
>Smile and wave to neighbors.
Yes. Increase "social capital."