Together for a Better Block

"Together for a Better Block: Strengthening Communities, One Block at a Time ""Together for a Better Block"" addresses the challenges of rapidly changing neighborhoods by fostering environmental stewardship, community engagement, and social cohesion. This initiative brings residents—longtime and new—together to beautify and keep clean sidewalk spaces and build meaningful connections through activities like tree pit care, gardening, and litter patrols. The program features a collaborative event on a residential block, organized by a local community nonprofit, Community Board, or in partnership with an elected official. New staff would be dedicated to this programming, Activities could include: - Workshops on Sustainability-: Teaching residents practical ways to care for their environment. - Tree Pit Adoption Initiative-: Encouraging residents to take ownership of green spaces and keep them green and clean - Friendly Competitions: Events like the ""Cleanest or Greenest Block Challenge"" to inspire civic pride, complete with prizes such as custom T-shirts or mugs featuring slogans for example- *Together for a Better Block – East 201 Street!* To ensure success, the program would hire local community members to conduct on-site outreach, recruit block volunteers, and help organize the event. Funding would cover essential supplies, such as tree care materials, plants, customized swag, and end-of-season celebrations as well as salaries for the new staff. The program concludes with a celebratory event to showcase improved spaces, recognize volunteers, and honor the community’s collective achievements. This celebration also highlights the neighborhood's diversity and resilience, reinforcing a sense of pride and unity. Together for a Better Block"" revitalizes the spirit of traditional block associations while adapting to today’s challenges. A dedicated newsletter could further support the initiative, sharing updates on community service projects, city services, and events, as well as promoting unity and civic participation. This initiative not only improves neighborhoods aesthetically but also strengthens the bonds that make them vibrant and resilient, creating a sustainable model for community building in a changing city."

Community block associations were most active in the 1970's, but they have declined over time. While quality-of-life issues remain, the approach to addressing them has shifted."Together for a Better Block" addresses the challenges of a community experiencing exponential housing growth, an influx of new immigrants, and insufficient city environmental services that keep our block green and clean. These include maintaining community identity, building social cohesion, and addressing overburdened infrastructure.

Youth (under 24)

Older Adults (65 +)

Public Housing Residents

Justice Impacted People

People with Disabilities

Limited English Speakers

Immigrants / Migrants

Veterans

LGBTQIA+ People

Parents