Building Blocks, Pt. 2

What’s happening on the streets where you live? If there are things you’d like to see improved or changed, it is possible to make it happen. 

No more complaints, just take action. One way to take action is to start a new block association or rev up the one already in place.

Bed-Stuy has a rich history of active block associations that goes back decades, and strong block associations are there to make sure Bed-Stuy continues to thrive.

“The highest concentration of block associations is in Bed-Stuy. There are more block associations in Bed-Stuy than anywhere in the city,” says Arif Ullah, director of Neighborhood Resources at Citizens Committee for New York, a civic action and neighborhood improvement group.

“When we talk about the improvement of Brooklyn, it starts on the block. That's where people first become invested, because they see the issues of concern to their neighbors, and then they put it in context of what’s happening in their neighborhood," says Liane Stegmaier, director of communications at Brooklyn Community Foundation, a non-profit funding organization dedicated to bettering the borough and all of its communities.

Each block association should deal first with what’s important to the group. No two are the same and no special expertise is required.

“One block association structure doesn’t fit all,” assures Ullah, who has worked with countless block associations. “The experts are the ones who live there. The neighbors are the ones who implement the process. The heart of any group are the people who comprise it."

There are no hard-fast rules, but some guidelines may be helpful:

Organize:

The first step is meeting with interested neighbors and distinguishing a core group of members. Discuss what matters and what’s been witnessed on the block. Make a list of ideas and issues most neighbors agree on.

Determine the structure of the association, which does not have to be too formal, but at minimum decide how often you will meet--monthly, quarterly or as needed. Officers can be put in place or a general steering committee named. Plan on communication and outreach like flyers and emails. 

Do something social to get the ball rolling says Toya Williford, president of the Madison Street #3 Block Association.

"It engenders a sense of pride and trust in the block,” says Willford. “One time I held an icebreaking party where we played trivia games about Brooklyn."

Functions:

Firm up one or two major initiatives to focus on at first. What will your block association tackle? Maybe the agenda is social like a block party, holiday celebration or gathering to connect as friends and neighbors.

Another reason to form could be more practical like working on beautifying the block, strategies to reduce crime or even something more politically pressing that may involve reaching out to city or state agencies. 

Get Funded and Get Guidance:

You don’t have to do this alone. Discuss member dues and how the money will be allocated. There is also grant-money out there. Last year, more than 175 grants were given out by Citizens Committee of New York to various block associations and community projects in amounts between $300 - $5,000, says Ullah. 

You just have to apply. “We don’t expect stellar proposal writing. We know average citizens are not grant writers. We will help them, we will give feedback. You only need to have an idea and think that idea could use funding,” assures Ullah. The money is meant for grass-roots projects like block associations.

Citizens Committee for New York also offers one-on-one consulting over the phone or in person if your block association needs advice on structuring, planning and funding. It’s all free and they also hold valuable free workshops.

They are just one organization providing grants, along with Brooklyn Community Foundation. For more information on both, check out their websites www.citizensnyc.org and www.brooklyncommunityfoundation.org. 

Blocks and Lives Can Be Recharged

Organizing or participating minimally in a block association can provide social opportunities to help neighbors get to know one another, through planning block parties and other events or they can be functional and goal oriented. It's whatever you make it and can be a pillar of a community.

“There’s no limit to what a community can do or innovate when they care about their neighborhoods and come together about what’s important to them and their quality of life," Ullah says.

Have Fun and Stick With It:

There's no commitment too big or too small. It’s not realistic to demand big-time commitments, says Ullah. But it’s essential to maintain communication and not to get complacent, adds Williford.

Now, get started, and have fun! It's all one block at a time.

Note: This story is the second in a three-part series on building a block association. Go here to read the first story, .