How to Start a Neighborhood Association
Neighborhood associations are the building blocks of the larger community and one of the most effective ways for citizens to be heard, fight crime, improve infrastructure, and enhance quality of life. A neighborhood association is a group of neighbors working together to build a stronger community and city. An active and organized neighborhood association can act as a catalyst for addressing resident concerns and issues. A community does not have to follow a strict formula to start a neighborhood association, but there are key elements that can set a group up for success.
Start with a Positive Attitude
Neighbors should approach the effort with a positive attitude and an open mind, ready to collaborate with your neighbors. Some groups prefer a formal structure, with officers and committees, but keeping things informal and gathering as a community is also fine.
Form a Steering Committee
Form an initial group of neighbors who are interested in neighborhood involvement. This committee will meet to establish the association’s purpose, which may change as more residents become involved. The steering committee will also determine and agree on ground rules for meetings if needed.
This core group will also determine the neighborhood’s boundaries. Boundaries include major roads and streets, properties within a certain distance of a neighborhood landmark, or a community facility. Neighborhood boundaries can be defined by many different types of conditions, including the history and development of an area. However, most often boundaries are defined by physical characteristics. The map below is included as an example to follow. JAN recommends using Google Maps to help determine a neighborhood’s official boundaries.
Outreach to the Neighborhood
Spread the word across the neighborhood. Establish regular communication with your neighbors via text, phone calls, social media, email, or in-person conversations. Door to door canvassing, hosting a small event, posting flyers, and conducting a neighborhood survey are also great ways to begin outreach efforts. As the neighborhood begins to connect, be sure to start a database for communicating with neighbors and area businesses.
Set a Date to Meet Consistently
Set a consistent meeting time and place, such as the first Saturday of each month at 10 a.m., so that everyone can plan ahead and know when and where to meet. Before a general meeting, the steering committee should agree on roles (facilitator, note taker, etc.) so the meeting will run efficiently. After roles are determined, create an agenda for all neighbors to follow.
Example of a typical agenda:
Call to order
The president as designated by the neighborhood association will call the meeting to order. This person would also act as the meeting facilitator and offer opening remarks.
Reminder of previous discussions
(For meetings after the first meeting) If minutes were kept from a previous meeting, those minutes could be distributed for review or read aloud to the association. This could serve as a refresher of the topics at hand.
Reports from committee members
A designated person from each committee should be prepared to report on the progress of the committee’s goals and objectives. The individual should allow for discussion or feedback from the entire group. Make sure each reporting committee member keeps debate time to a minimum of 5 - 10 minutes.
Unfinished or new business
The president will ask for new ideas or topics and opens the floor for discussion limiting discussion to 5 - 10 minutes.
Announcements
In most occasions this is an opportunity for non-profits, city departments, or other agencies involved in the neighborhood association to speak.
The next meeting date, time, and location should be announced.
Adjournment
The president adjourns the meeting.
Register with the City of Jackson
All neighborhood associations within the City of Jackson are encouraged to register their organization via the OpenGov online platform. Even if you have registered in the past, you must register online via the OpenGov portal. If your neighborhood submitted a hardcopy referral form in the past and received a registration number, it must be registered online so that a new registration number can be assigned to your organization. For more information, visit the City of Jackson Neighborhood Services Division’s webpage.
Host a General Meeting
The steering committee can introduce the purpose and boundaries of the association. As a group, discuss the association’s vision and establish and prioritize goals for the neighborhood. Again, your neighborhood may prefer a formal structure, but keeping things informal and gathering as a community is also fine.
Select an action committee to address your first major issue/goal/project.
Bring useful information about the neighborhood like upcoming activities or events.
Don’t forget to provide opportunities for input from all attendees throughout each of the discussion topics.
Gather information from attendees. (e.g., email, phone, address, etc.)
Allot time for neighbors to meet and get to know each other.
Meetings should be upbeat and solution-oriented, focusing on events and actions that bring the neighborhood together. While addressing issues is important, maintaining a positive outlook and a sense of progress will leave everyone feeling more energized and hopeful.
Get ACTIVE
Continue to work toward expanding the membership base. An effective association encourages neighbor participation by addressing relative issues, getting things done, and making community involvement an engaging process. Don’t forget to have fun!
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