Back to the Basics: Neighbors Getting to Know Neighbors
The City of Minneapolis encourages block clubs and neighbors to not only get together on National Night Out, but to make a commitment to connect and keep their neighborhoods safe year-round. We encourage folks to do their part to help keep their neighborhood safe by becoming block club leaders, staying informed about city and police news, and communicating with the city and police when there are livability and safety issues in their neighborhood.
How can you get to know your neighbors, connect your neighbors to each other, and stay connected? Here are some simple steps:
- Knock on doors! Studies have shown that face-to-face communication still builds the longest-lasting relationships. This is especially true for neighbors.
- Contact the "neighbor who lives somewhere else." Many blocks have rental residential or commercial properties that can be important partners in your crime prevention efforts. You can find their contact information using Minneapolis' property information lookup service.
- When visiting neighbors to get their approval for your NNO street permit, take along a sign-up sheet for an email list or phone tree for your block. Many block leaders share the latest Action Alerts this way, not to mention announcements of yard sales, lost pets, etc.
- Call a "BBQ Meeting!" Host a pot luck dinner where an informal agenda can include comparing notes on any issues your neighbors have encountered recently. People are more likely to share their observations in a friendly environment and often find that the action that needs to happen is as simple as a phone call,
Last updated Feb 27, 2012
