What is the Adopt-A-Block Program?
The program is aimed at having a Block representative that informs neighbors about current issues and events that could adversely affect or benefit them. For example, an alert regarding a rash of garage break-ins in their immediate area. Or, handouts on how to best prevent burglaries.
Amount of time required
Initially, it will take less than 5 hours to canvass all neighbors on your block. You can do this at your own pace, over the course of a few weeks if needed. This is a one-time investment during which the volunteer will visit each household to explain the value of the program, provide GRNW window placards, and to get the phone numbers and email addresses of the neighbor and their designated “emergency contact” person.
Each week, (when you walk the dog, take the kids to school, take the garbage out, etc) the volunteer checks around the block the for graffiti, alley and street light outages, potholes, and overgrown shrubs. If some are noted, these will be reported to GRNW.
When issues or events occur, the volunteer will get the word out to her/her neighbors, using whatever means are best for them. The means could include phone calls, emails, or a short flyer or newsletter, or combination of these means - the volunteer can use what works best for the block. The website offers examples of newsletters that other members have passed out (click here to see them). These are free to modify to fit your own block's needs.
How to apply...
Simply fill out the short application (in the next tab - or simply click here to be directed to it). Please note that there is no fee to be a block representative. Submit it to the address on the form together with a photocopy of your driver’s license or State ID card. Once a police background check is completed , you will receive an ID card and GRNW materials, and you will be ready to care for your block.
The program is aimed at having a Block representative that informs neighbors about current issues and events that could adversely affect or benefit them. For example, an alert regarding a rash of garage break-ins in their immediate area. Or, handouts on how to best prevent burglaries.
- To contact a relative or close friend (designated by the neighbor) should an occasion arise where there is concern about the well-being of the neighbor or the property. For example, no one has seen a neighbor for the past week, papers are on the porch and no one answers the door.
- Observe and report on burnt-out street and alley lights and graffiti.
Amount of time required
Initially, it will take less than 5 hours to canvass all neighbors on your block. You can do this at your own pace, over the course of a few weeks if needed. This is a one-time investment during which the volunteer will visit each household to explain the value of the program, provide GRNW window placards, and to get the phone numbers and email addresses of the neighbor and their designated “emergency contact” person.
Each week, (when you walk the dog, take the kids to school, take the garbage out, etc) the volunteer checks around the block the for graffiti, alley and street light outages, potholes, and overgrown shrubs. If some are noted, these will be reported to GRNW.
When issues or events occur, the volunteer will get the word out to her/her neighbors, using whatever means are best for them. The means could include phone calls, emails, or a short flyer or newsletter, or combination of these means - the volunteer can use what works best for the block. The website offers examples of newsletters that other members have passed out (click here to see them). These are free to modify to fit your own block's needs.
How to apply...
Simply fill out the short application (in the next tab - or simply click here to be directed to it). Please note that there is no fee to be a block representative. Submit it to the address on the form together with a photocopy of your driver’s license or State ID card. Once a police background check is completed , you will receive an ID card and GRNW materials, and you will be ready to care for your block.
The Adopt-A-Block program coordinator is Ron who can be reached at RonKgrnw@aol.com with any questions you may have.
