Across America, neighbors, families, and friends are gathering on their own porches (or in their homes), building authentic community through food, dialogue, and love. The Open Porch network seeks to empower and encourage this community of small communities, transforming the world one porch, one neighborhood at a time. 

Pick a day of the week or month.

Find a day or night that works for you and your family. Perhaps talk to a few neighbors and get their opinion of which night is best. You can always change the day later if circumstances change. The important thing is to be consistent. 

Invite your neighbors and friends over. 

It's easy to invite those people in our life that we agree with, those that we already know. But, go ahead and seek out those that you don't know yet. Neighbors have stories, and their stories will bless you. Invite your friends too! If you are doing a potluck or something of that nature, you'll want to specify how that works.  

Open your porch (or home or garage or yard). 

It doesn't have to be a porch. The porch is a symbol of welcome. Wherever you gather, be a place of welcome. Put out chips and salsa, turn on the music, and be ready to welcome people with a beverage. Make them feel at home and allow them to be themselves. 

Engage and love your neighbors.

Don't be a jerk. Human beings are awesome. Start with a genuine curiosity about them. Try not to talk too much about yourself. Ask questions, and let the community happen organically. Love your neighbors.