What other blocks are already doing:

Our block is well integrated, have a block email list, block plan, we know names of all our neighbours, their kids and often even their pets. We had meal trains for neighbors that were sick or having surgery. We meet regularly: Halloween party, Superbowl party, Soup NIght When Winter Strikes party, Blocktail party in the spring, etc. Best thing is that I no longer coordinate these events but other neighbors have stepped in and kept the momentum going

We have a group chat via text that includes a few neighbors on Sprunt at the T-intersection. We recently added our newest neighbors. We’re in contact regularly to borrow cups of sugar and such and to gather for campfires and block parties (when it’s warmer!).  

We've started our own listserv using Google Groups and a neighbor has taken the lead with sending out quarterly updates and encouraging neighbors to join it. We also have a shared spreadsheet with self-reported contact info, personal notes, and resources available in case of emergency.

I usually try to introduce myself to new neighbors, let them know about Parade and the listserv, and organize 6 or 7 block gatherings a year. These too are informal in as much as I suggest a date and time and those who are able and/or interested gather in the street chat for an hour or so to catch up and maintain connections. Some neighbors are pretty much the core and most often attend, a couple have never participated and the others are more sporadic in that they stay for only a few minutes or come 1/2 of the times. 

There is an informal connection, in the 2300 block of Indian Trl that is coordinated by the two inhabitants of 2308, one of whom is a professional community organizer. I’m not the oldest one, but I’m getting there. We’re all feeling supported by each other. 

A WhatsApp thread called Watts-Hillandale Neighborbood Support (23 of us on if, many around Albany) was started when ICE began raiding Durham, and we have shared informational, social and physical resources  since then, including to help prepare for the ice storm and such.

Our block keeps an updated contact list that circulates about once a year. In general we contact each other about fun events folks are invited to, info about construction/tree work that may cause interruptions, and some neighbors use it to share when they are going out of town, etc. 

We already have a WhatsApp chat group for the 900, 1000, and 1100 blocks of Iredell. There is also a legacy iMessage group that is still used by folks who don't want to use WhatsApp.