FAQ’s
How do we determine our neighborhood boundaries?
Keep it simple. Draw your neighborhood boundaries reflecting
the natural (e.g. lake) or manmade boundaries (e.g. major transportation
corridor). Many times these particular boundaries form a coherent
neighborhood area. A rule of thumb is to keep it simple and start
with a relatively small (but not to small) area to build the
sense of community amongst neighbors.
Are there requirements on the formal structure of neighborhood
associations?
No. We do encourage neighborhood associations to develop an
organizational structure that works for them. Some options for
neighborhood associations to consider include:
- Mission statement: An organization’s vision is its
driving force. The mission statement explains why a group exists
and what it hopes to accomplish. A group can revise and clarify
its mission statement whenever it is deemed appropriate.
- Bylaws: Bylaws are simply the rules governing an organization’s
internal operations, including: purpose of organization, membership
information, terms of officers, committees, voting procedures
and dues.
What are some key organizational questions?
- Is the neighborhood association attracting, maintaining,
and recruiting new members?
- Is the neighborhood association representative of the area?
Are you involving individuals across barriers of race, religion,
age and socio-economic status?
- Are the neighborhood association meetings publicized? Status
reports? Successes?
- Are you identifying and forming partnerships with organizations
that support the residents of your community, such as: the
schools, centers of worship, the merchants, business associations,
the employers, landlords, local government, hospitals, realty
companies, libraries, community centers, etc.?
- Are you celebrating your victories? Spread the word and tell
other associations how you did it and how it can help them!
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