Why Neighborhoods Organize

There are many different reasons why neighborhoods organize.  Some of the most common reasons include:

1.       To Address a Particular Concern

Many neighborhoods become organized when a particular concern emerges in their area.  Residents of the neighborhood get together to discuss problems, come up with solutions, and work together to resolve issues.

2.       To Empower Residents

Some organizers believe the only reason to organize is for power.  Power is the ability to act and with it comes a responsibility to the community.  When neighborhoods organize, they acquire power by coming together to accomplish something.

3.       To Build Community

Organizing to build community means improving your neighborhood’s ability to act and organize through the diverse skills of its residents.  And develop partnerships with businesses, not-for-profit organizations, and government.

Whether it having regularly scheduled association meetings, seasonal block parties, or simply a neighbor running an errand for you, activities such as these enhance the sense of community.

Benefits to organizing neighborhood associations

Some of the benefits of having an organized association include:

• Achieving common neighborhood goals, a unified vision of who we are as a neighborhood.
• Having a common voice and an effective means of communicating with government, businesses and other groups as partners.
• Empowering neighborhoods so they can voice concerns and have input in events happening within their area.  Members take part in the decision-making that affects their neighborhoods.
• Neighborhood preservation
• Improving neighborhood planning methods
• Social activities for the entire neighborhood
• Organizing neighborhood improvement projects

Starting a neighborhood association

Steps to form a New Neighborhood Association

If your neighborhood does not have an existing neighborhood association, you may want to create one.  The following will outline a systematic process for forming a new neighborhood association.  If you don't know if your neighborhood has an active neighborhood association please contact your outreach liaison.

Step 1 – The Idea

The first step is to make sure that a neighborhood association does not already exist in your area and recognize that a neighborhood association can help you make your neighborhood a better place to live.  A neighborhood association unites residents, provides an opportunity to establish common goals and needs, and gives them the ability to work with partners, such as local businesses and government.

Step 2 – Form a Neighborhood Organizing Team

Once you talk amongst your neighbors and decide that there is interest and need for a neighborhood association, a small group of residents should be appointed as the Neighborhood Organizing Team.  The Team will be responsible for getting the association started, finding a place to meet and working with the Louisville Metro Department of Neighborhoods (DON).

Step 3 – Meet with your Community Outreach Liaison

Your Community Outreach Liaison is experienced in helping residents form new associations.  Your Outreach Liaison will work with your Organizing Team to create a successful neighborhood association!