Neighborhood groups are born in many ways. As a reaction to crime or sudden change, a desire to beautify the physical environment, a need to connect with those living nearby, or to prepare for earthquakes and other disasters. How do these groups evolve from one shared goal into sustainable organizations that achieve real benefits for their members? Three neighborhood activists share their experiences and challenges in Oakland, El Cerrito, Berkeley and Richmond in a journey to build stronger neighborhood organizations using both Internet and front stoop strategies.

1. Strengthening
Neighborhood Organizations

2. Janie Holland
Community Building and Organizing Director,
Community Housing Development Corporation
President of Santa Fe Neighborhood Council
Richmond Neighborhood Coordinating Council,
Executive Board

3. Mollie Hazen
Coordination and community outreach for a variety
of organizations in the SF Bay Area for 20 years
Co-Chair and Neighborhood Watch Coordinator, El
Cerrito Crime Prevention Committee

4. Gail Jara
Host and organizer of the First Wednesday
Tradition, which brings neighbors together for
food and fellowship in an Oakland community
Editor, PANIL Notes, neighborhood newsletter for
Piedmont Ave Neighborhood Improvement
League

5. Kristin Leimkuhler
Active in organizing neighborhood groups in
Richmond and Berkeley
Moderator of online community
Founder of PlanBerkeley.org

6. Strengthening
Neighborhood Organizations

7. Top 10
Strategies to Strengthen
Your Neighborhood

8. 1. Know your community.
Cultural Differences
Existing Leaders
History of the Neighborhood

9. 2. Articulate your purpose.

10. 3. Maintain a schedule.
Predictable
Consistent
Realistic

11. 4. Keep communication
flowing.

12. 5. Identify and nurture leaders.

13. 6. Increase involvement and
commitment of each person.

14. 7. Reach out to all ages.

15. 8. Build in Fun

16. 9. Highlight progress.

17. 10. Provide food.

18. Now we ask you…

19. Get in touch…
jholland@chdcnr.com
gailjara@pacbell.net
molliehazen@gmail.com
kristin@tencue.com
Richmond Neighborhood Council:
http://richmondneighbors.org/