Goals

1. Increase the capability of participating neighborhoods to engage neighbors in cooperative and collaborative endeavors that benefit their neighborhoods.

2. Introduce neighborhoods to successful examples of processes for neighborhood improvement and advocacy; and to introduce public agencies and resources available as partners to assist neighborhood endeavors.

3. Introduce residents to skills and knowledge needed to lead effective community organizations and voluntary associations.

Outcomes

1. Start a neighborhood organization of some type
Examples:

• Neighborhood Association / Organization
• Blockwatch
• Project-based organization
• Program-based

2. Plan and Produce an Event or Project
Examples:

• Mural
• Bike train / path
• Art show
• Festival
• Outdoor or Community Concert
• Block party
• Children’s events (Easter egg hunt, Storytelling, Reading, etc…)
• Community play / theater
• Community garden
• Clean up a vacant lot

3. Start a Program or Service
Examples:

• Help seniors with yard work
• Monthly litter pick-up
• Newsletters
• Website or email communication listserv
• Phone tree

4. Issues and Problems
Examples:

• Embrace an issue or take on work to solve a specific problem
  • Traffic
  • Crime
  • Development
  • Environmental (MSD, Air Quality, etc…)
  • Code and Zoning
  • Absentee landlords
  • Law enforcement & Code enforcement
  • Housing

5. Physical Improvement
Examples:

• Streetscape rehab & improvement
• Park projects
• Signage
• Banners
• Neighborhood evaluations (compiling reports to city government concerning the general condition of the neighborhood, highlight structures that need demolition and stabilization, identify the locations of litter and dumping spots that need to be cleaned up, law enforcement to deal with specific social problems)
• Greening & Brightside related projects
• Beautification

6. Grant writing
Example:

• Writing grants for anything contributing to neighborhood improvement

7. Dealing with Conflict
Examples:

• Building consensus
• Finding ways to compromise

8. Organizing
Examples:

• Getting people involved
• Building strong relationships
• Developing social capital
• Strengthening the neighborhoods capacity
• Get a NAP (Neighborhood Assessment) for your neighborhood