In Irkutsk, a coalition was announced to hold Neighbors Day on May 26, a holiday that helps residents get to know each other better, unite, and solve common problems together. The article explains how such initiatives build trust between neighbors, involve management companies in dialogue, and turn an ordinary yard into a space for joint projects and good deeds. It also gives ideas for celebrating in the yard and an invitation to the organizing committee meeting on May 5.

It would seem that long ago the time passed when neighbors were something like family members, when problems were not solved alone, and troubles and joys were shared by all. Today people have acquired heavy metal doors, locked them with massive locks, and not everyone knows who lives next door. For many, especially in big cities, a neighbor has no longer remained a friend, but has turned into merely an acquaintance or a negative character in our difficult life. That is why courtyard or neighborhood festivals held in different cities become a true revelation and joy for many. However, how many more people remain behind closed doors, how many residents have no idea who lives behind the wall and who rides the elevator with you. How difficult it is for us now to solve common problems and various household matters, because we not only do not know how to do it, but we do not know with whom.
It must be said that the separation of people from one another is a problem not only of Russian cities; it is a problem of the modern city in general.
To solve this problem, in 1990 in Paris a group of enthusiasts decided to hold a festival for neighbors in the 17th arrondissement of Paris, which later received the name “Neighbors’ Day” and is now celebrated every year on the last Tuesday of May.
The purpose of the festival was to bring together people living next to one another and to counter the ever-growing isolation in society through the joint implementation of various projects for the benefit of residents. The goal was achieved: sponsors were found for people who were in difficult financial circumstances; cars were provided for neighbors with limited mobility; jobs were found for the unemployed; mini home kindergartens were organized so that as many people as possible could leave their homes, meet their neighbors, break free from loneliness, and feel among friends.
Such associations became important not only for residents, but also for representatives of housing and utilities services. People realized that they had both the right and the ability to hold the service organization accountable and to reward or punish it financially. And the organizations serving the buildings began to understand that they were dealing no longer with scattered and indifferent residents, but with a confident team, and in many cases were forced to sit down at the negotiating table and improve the quality of the services provided.
In addition to mutual oversight, mutual cooperation emerged, made possible by mutual trust. The informal relationships that develop during the organization and holding of the festival greatly help people find common ground and reach agreements on many serious issues. Many examples of celebrations appeared, people began to communicate actively with one another, and the festival gained popularity. At such festivals, residents began to actively invite not only those who live in their building or neighborhood, but also those who work in their area, to thank them and actively involve them in cooperation for the benefit of the residents and the building.
Thanks to Neighbors’ Day, many residents gained the opportunity to understand how important interaction with one another is, and, having united, took control of what was happening around them.
The administration of the city of Irkutsk, in partnership with the Irkutsk city branch of the public organization “All-Russian Council of Local Self-Government,” the studio of creative ideas “Postscriptum,” and the educational project for the public “School of Active Citizens,” announces the creation of a coalition to hold Neighbors’ Day in the city of Irkutsk on May 26.



Tips for successfully and interestingly holding Neighbors’ Day in YOUR courtyard:
- watching black-and-white films. (screen)
- a gift “neighbor’s set.” (salt, in a matchbox, bagels, matches)
- neighbors’ questions to the City Administration, the Management Company in writing with return contact details.
- neighbors’ “projects” (the neighbors’ own ideas for improving the place of residence, holding “neighborly” events aimed at maintaining friendly relations between neighbors and solving common problems)
- distribution of neighbors’ responsibilities (who is responsible for what)
- in one of the courtyards, a gramophone may be installed to maintain a kind, “neighborly” atmosphere.
- contest for the cleanest entranceway.
- contest for neighbors’ talents
- the most good-natured neighbor (anonymous voting)
- a proposal to elect every three months a neighbor who will represent the interests of the residents
What needs to be thought through:
- If the building is very large and there are many neighbors, you need to take care in advance of name tags
- In case tea is planned, you need to think about what the tables will be made of, where to bring chairs or benches from (especially take care of elderly neighbors!). Do not forget about disposable tableware, napkins, and garbage bags.

Partners:
“School of Active Citizens” of Irkutsk
Management companies of Irkutsk
Shomina E.S., Doctor of Pedagogical Sciences, Professor at the Higher School of Economics – State University (Moscow)
Neighbors’ Day is a step toward improving relationships between neighbors in the building. It is a step toward joint projects and activities. It is a new opportunity to overcome loneliness and isolation, strengthen neighborly ties, and increase your influence.
We invite you not to stand aside! Neighbors’ Day can be organized by anyone — the main thing is the desire!
If you are interested in organizing or taking part in the celebration, come to the organizing committee meeting for the celebration of “Neighbors’ Day,” which will take place on May 5.
This meeting is an opportunity to learn more about the event, offer your ideas, and join your efforts with those who strive to make our city better.

Additional information can be obtained by phone:
89025111710 – Shadkhina Anna, studio of creative ideas “Postscriptum”
89648227081 – Pavlenok Daria, studio of creative ideas “Postscriptum”
24-26-24 – public relations department of the administration of the city of Irkutsk