NATIONAL FAMILY WEEK IS THANKSGIVING WEEK, NOVEMBER 23-29, and is a great time to celebrate and promote the connections that support and strengthen families and communities.

Each year the YMCA joins the Alliance for Children and Families and more than 500 family service agencies in promoting the fact that children live better lives when their families are strong, and families are strong when they live in communities that connect them to economic opportunities, social networks and services.

The theme for National Family Week this year is “Connections Count.” In that spirit, here are some tips for making connections count with your family and in your community:

Extend your family. Plan a “family supper” with your neighbors, invite a friend to dinner or help in a neighborhood improvement effort.

Go for a walk, bicycle ride or other outing as a family.

Have one meal a day with your family, and let the kids help with preparation.

Thank the people around you. Write a thank you note to someone who helps your family or makes a significant contribution in your community.

Construct a family tree on paper or on the computer. Have older family members tell stories about their past and tape-record them.

Connect with your community—as a family if possible. Get involved in an issue that’s important to you.