Why do we need a neighborhood association anyway?
There is a strong correlation between quality of life and communities that have strong grass-roots networks. Just another layer of gov’ment? No. Not at all. First let’s talk about what a great neighborhood association provides its residents.
So, what exactly does a neighborhood association do for a community? A strong association…
- Provides a mechanism and infrastructure for neighbors to unite, communicate, share ideas and perspectives, and – most importantly – mobilize quickly when needed
- Provides strength and credibility in numbers with cities, states, elected officials at all levels of government, and the media
- Leverages the ability of a community to get services, visibility, resources, and assistance
- Provides infrastructure upon which to build community-based efforts such as…
- Neighborhood Watch (crime and safety)
- Anti-litter campaigns
- School monitoring, support, policy, and enhancement initiatives
- Parks, recreational, and athletic programs
- Traffic safety and calming efforts
- Social and networking activities
- Infrastructure enhancements such as
- Green spaces
- Tree planting campaigns
- Welcome signs
- Street sign toppers
- Benches and picnic tables
- Protects all neighbors from the costs of single-sided economic interests of external entities such as developers and contractors
- Provides for relationship-building between neighbors
- Avails contact and resource information for new residents
The bottom-line value of a strong neighborhood association lies in it being the infrastructure upon which neighborhood-enhancing and -protecting activities and initiatives can be more easily formed and implemented. The association and its administrative functioning provides the tools, expertise, and mechanisms that frees the committees to focus on their mission work which is usually more focused, creative, and requires greater flexibility. A strong association…
- It is not a governing or enforcing body. It has no authority to make rules that apply to neighbors. It has no authority to make anybody do anything. It is different from a Home Owner’s Association (HOA) that has the authority to make rules and to enforce them.
- It does not have mandatory membership. Every resident is eligible to become a member. There are some additional benefits for those who pay voluntary membership dues.
- It is not for profit. All receipts go back into the community – 100% — either through contracts for goods and services or social events or philanthropic giving. All expenditures are approved by the membership.
- It does not have paid positions. Everybody serves on a volunteer basis. The focus is on serving the greater community good.
- It does not benefit a few at the expense of others. Anything the Association does benefits all residents either directly or indirectly – dues paying or not.
- It does not solve disputes between individual neighbors but it will try to provide a means of communication and mediation in matters that impact groups of neighbors differently.
- It is not an informal club. It is licensed through the Secretary of State and it operates under a set of Bylaws that must be voted on by the residents and registered with the Secretary of State.
Convinced that a strong neighborhood association is a good thing for a community? Join the fun!