Bismarck-Mandan Residents Can Find Community Through the “Where Home Means More Than Hello” Initiative

Residents of Bismarck-Mandan are friendly. They say hello when you walk past and wave when you drive by. However, these small gestures don’t always translate into friendships and personal connections. The mayors of Bismarck and Mandan, Bismarck-Mandan Chamber EDC, and other community partners are encouraging residents to reach out to others in order to build stronger communities as part of a new welcome initiative.

“People say hello, but they don’t always take the extra step,” says Janel Schmitz, first lady of the city of Bismarck. “This initiative is to raise awareness so our residents in both communities welcome new people into their existing family and friendship circles.”

Learn more about this initiative and how it brings people together to form meaningful connections. 

Community Building Supports Economic Development 

There is a direct correlation between the friendly nature of Bismarck-Mandan residents and the regional economy. Simply put, people are more likely to stay where they feel welcome. When newcomers make friends, they put down roots and stay longer. When long-time residents engage with new people, they can develop new relationships and improve their quality of life.

“Our community culture can impact the future workforce of Bismarck-Mandan,” says Schmitz. “From our hospitals to engineering firms to farms, we want to make it easier for companies to find the top talent they need. This initiative takes our strongest asset – our people – and encourages them to form lasting relationships with neighbors and new friends to improve the likelihood new people will make us their permanent home.”

Schmitz emphasizes that the Welcome Initiative is meant to be a larger cultural shift in the region. There aren’t many measurables the cities can track (like total coffee meetups or impromptu hangouts in the park). Instead, the goal is to make residents rethink how they interact with the people around them.

Residents Are Encouraged to Attend Activities and Events 

Bismarck Mayor Mike Schmitz and Mandan Mayor Jim Froelich of Mandan have proclaimed May as Welcome Month. With the warmer days ahead, it is easy for neighbors to meet while on a walk or children are playing, or to organize a neighborhood get-together.

This is where the Make Your Mark website comes in. Organizations can share contact information where residents can find others who share similar interests to the. This page will be a hub for finding interest groups and involvement opportunities in the region. If a resident is part of a group in Bismarck or Mandan, they are encouraged to register them on the site at no charge by completing the Clubs and Committees Submission Form. They do not need to be a Chamber EDC member to be included.

Attending a new event for the first time can be intimidating. Even if you have lived in Bismarck- Mandan all of your life, going somewhere different makes you the new person on the scene. “We all have that insecure or introverted side to ourselves,” says Schmitz. “If we realize that others feel the same as we do, then it’s easier to be welcoming. I promise you, it won’t hurt a bit to say, “Hello, are you from here?’ or to ask what brought them to our community.”

Schmitz adds that there are pockets of people doing really cool things in the area and almost anyone can find their niche. Some neighborhoods host movies being shown in the garage or backyard concerts. Others have lawn chair evenings on the driveway as examples.

Businesses and Community Groups Can Support This Initiative

Schmitz and city representatives plan to work with local businesses to promote the Welcome Initiative. They will host lunch-and-learns to discuss the benefits of reaching out to neighbors and new coworkers. Making new employees feel welcome can support retention efforts while also helping residents feel connected to their new communities.

If you have a business in Bismarck-Mandan or run a church, gym, non-profit, or community group, contact the Bismarck-Mandan Chamber EDC and ask about one of these in-person
meetings. Anyone can benefit from this initiative, whether they moved here a month ago or lived in the region for decades.

Take Steps to Welcome People Into Your Social Circle

It’s never too early to start the Welcome Initiative. When you wave to your neighbors, invite them over to chat. When a new employee starts at your organization,
invite them to eat lunch with you. If a group of friends or family has a 4th of July picnic, ask someone new to join. Small acts of kindness can make a big difference in how welcome people feel. When everyone works together, we can change the culture of Bismarck-Mandan for the better.

Learn more about opportunities in Bismarck-Mandan including clubs, volunteer outings, and community groups. You can find your people in this region and feel welcome in your new home time.