Block Clubs as a Catalyst for Community Building- an opportunity!

Greetings Neighbors-

I recently had the pleasure of spending 4 days with John McKnight. John is the co-director of Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) at Northwestern University and co-author with Peter Block of the book Abundant Community. "Google" John if you want to learn more about who he is!

ABCD is being used across the US as a method to build stronger communities. In fact, the Greater Rochester Health Foundation is using an ABCD consultant for a project right here in Rochester. Abundant Community is a newer initiative but also gaining significant traction across the country.

John is currently working on a project related to block clubs and is interested in hearing from communities who are using his ideas as a way to build community. The main focus of his concept is that block clubs engage in a door to door search for 'assets' or 'talents' and then work to connect those talents/interests (people) to others in the neighborhood. Some incredible stories of community development have already occurred via this approach.

I think it would be amazing if we could take some of McKnight's ideas and try them out on a few blocks in our neighborhoods to see what happens. If anyone is interested in pursuing this opportunity/project with me please let me know.

You can read more about ABCD and Abundant Community at the following websites:

Abundant Community

Asset-Based Community Development

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Permalink Reply by Mark Sweetland on August 7, 2011 at 1:00am

I am interested in more details.

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Permalink Reply by Diane Watkins on August 9, 2011 at 8:16pm

Margie, I am excited that you found this resource. One of my goals as council person is to invigorate at least 10 block clubs. I would love for the City to provide each group with $500 a year to host "get to know you events" with their neighbors. I believe that this is so important that I am willing to fund them myself out of the Council salary should the City fail to recognize their value.

I want to engage and support the CDC like it has never been supported in the past. Imagine 16 to 20 something year olds who are expert at one thing or another concerning home repair, landscaping, senior care. The home owner pays for supplies during their training period, once they get certified, we pay them a living wage or barter. If we want it, we must build it!

Okay, I realize that I am way more excited that is necessary but...

Dream with me...we have the river, we have GVP and 4 major thouroughfares in the South District. We link to Downtown!!! We just have to build it and they will come.

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Permalink Reply by Margy Meath on August 9, 2011 at 8:41pm

Thanks Diane and Mark for the interest. Having access to John McKnight and his group is an incredible gift so I am hoping we can get a few more people interested in this idea and then move ahead with trying a few things out.

Re: $$ for block clubs - 2011 should be the year that WEST side block clubs can apply for the $500 grant from the Community Foundation. Marlborough used one of their grants a few years ago to get going and it was very helpful but we discovered something very interesting - once neighbors were engaged, they started to donate money for various events - MLK Luminary event, Easter Egg hunt, Flower pots on the end of the street, etc! We've also discovered that money is not always needed to get neighbors together. Just this past weekend, 2 homes organized a "blocktail" party - people brought their own drinks, the neighbors provided their yard and some appetizers, etc. It was a great evening!!

I'd love to hear from a few more interested people in this project - if we can start with a small group, i'll set up a time to meet and share more of the information that I have from John.

THINK BIG * START SMALL * MOVE FAST!

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Permalink Reply by Mark Sweetland on August 9, 2011 at 10:15pm

Margy,

If you have more info on grants for blocks clubs from the Community Foundation, please let me know. The E2 Block Club wants to have a cookout in September (or as we can,) and funding is a major problem. We have relied on donations. We would like to really expand so we can offer more than hot dogs. We did go to a pot luck at our last one in July, which is an objective, but many people just showed up as in the past for free dogs. Diane has been a major help with our past two events. As have John and Marian Boutet, huge supporters, not even from our block!

Great ideas!

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Permalink Reply by Margy Meath on August 10, 2011 at 9:25am

the 2012 grants are not advertised yet. If I remember correctly, they're usually posted in the Fall. The website is: Rochester Community Foundation. From the main website, click on GRANTS, then click on CIVIC ENGAGEMENT.

If I see something posted, I'll send a message to this group.

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Permalink Reply by Joan Roby-Davison on August 10, 2011 at 9:52am

The NeighborGood Grants are available alternating between East & West sides of the city. This fall will be the time that the west side block clubs, neighborhood associations and business associations can apply. Block clubs can ask for $500, Neighborhood & business associations are eligible for up to $2,000 as they typically cover larger areas with more members.

The applications are fairly simple, but I'd be willing to provide more information or general assistance when the applications are on-line. Groups have used the funds for beautification (community gardens), public safety (porch lights), communication (newsletters) and community building (e.g., block parties or cook outs). The goal is to bring more people together, strengthening community connections. You can plan your budget to cover two years - applications this fall (mid-November) would receive funding in the spring of 2012.

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Permalink Reply by Laura Suda on August 10, 2011 at 4:39pm

Hello Margie,

Thank you for joining the Inglewood Drive Block group! Now, if only I could get more of my block neighbors to join.

Of course, I am interested in this opportunity - although I can't get many of my neighbors to join Location 19, I have a growing neighborhood list and have been emailing them updates and news items that seem to be appreciated. Your opportunity sounds exactly like what I'd like to do on Inglewood Drive and I'm interested in learning more.

Thanks Margie.

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Permalink Reply by Joan Roby-Davison on August 10, 2011 at 7:54pm

The NeighborGood Grant applications will be available on the RACF website in October, and they are exactly the sort of resource that you can use to increase involvement on your street. The goal is to use these limited funds to engage your neighbors on your street or in your neighborhood to become more involved and to create a healthier community. I'll post the link when it becomes available!