KeyStone Association: About Neighborhood Associations
 East Side Neighborhood Fair - A fun day for the kids! |
What is a Neighborhood Association?
A neighborhood association is a voluntary organization of residents who work together to improve and maintain the quality of life in their neighborhood. Associations can form from a concern over a particular issue or from a desire to enhance the sense of community in the neighborhood.
Features of a Neighborhood Association
- Membership is open to all residents in the neighborhood but participation is optional
- There is no legal authority to enact or enforce maintenance or design requirements beyond those established by City ordinances
- To ensure a visibly democratic process, the organization establishes formal or informal bylaws to provide for at least one general membership meeting per year and require an annual election of officers
- Associations create their own newsletters and offer community education programs consistent with their mission.
Whether you are new to the neighborhood or a long time resident, the Keystone Neighborhood Association welcomes your participation!
What are Block Clubs and Neighborhood Watch Groups?
An important activity of a neighborhood association is to strengthen neighborhoods through the development of block clubs and neighborhood watch groups. Block Clubs encourage safe, beautiful neighborhoods and build community.
Getting to know the people who live in their area through a Block club enables neighbors to watch out for one another and helps make daily life safer and more enjoyable.
Block Clubs can take whatever form a group wishes. Some Block Clubs have succeeded in slowing traffic on their streets by installing stop signs, while others have held summer cookouts simply to socialize. Still others have organized community clean-ups or delivered welcome packets to new neighbors.
Crime Watch Groups are a specialized kind of block club that allows citizens to address neighborhood safety issues like drug activity and child safety through social networking.
If you are interested in starting a block club & neighborhood watch in your neighborhood, contact KeyStone Neighborhood Association at president@keystonerockisland.org.
