Neighborhood-based Organizations

Forming a neighborhood-based organization is all about bringing people together to work for the betterment of everyone. The Community Services Department can help as you create your organization.

Neighborhood-based organizations succeed when residents are eager and willing to make their own decisions about programs and projects. That is why residents are the ones who should take the lead in organizing themselves. However, the Community Services Department can offer advice and support through its Neighborhood Services Division.

Resources

The Neighborhood-based Organization Tool Kit, created by the Neighborhood Services Division, serves as a guide to forming your organization. In addition, the Division offers classes to develop neighborhood leaders, grants for neighborhood improvement and a registry of neighborhood-based organizations. The Division also offers the assistance of staffers known as community specialists.

Benefits of forming an organization

• An organization provides a way for neighbors to get to know and support each other.
• When neighbors are organized, they have more power to make changes and reach goals.
• Members of an organization gain a unified voice and influence in community affairs.
• Having an organization allows better communication with local government and other agencies.
• Residents assume responsibility for keeping their neighborhood healthy and vital.

Examples of neighborhood-based organizations

• Neighborhood associations
• Garden clubs
• Neighborhood Watch
• Homeowners associations