Neighbor2Neighbor Pilot (N2N) Copyright 2014
City of Dubuque Action Items # 4.
ITEM TITLE: Neighbor2Neighbor Pilot (N2N)
SUMMARY: Staff to provide a presentation on the Neighbor2Neighbor Pilot (N2N)
program aimed at promoting interaction, collaboration and strong
relationships among neighbors in an effort to make neighborhoods
healthier, safer, and friendlier.
SUGGESTED DISPOSITION: Suggested Disposition Receive and File; Staff Presentation
ATTACHMENTS:
Description Type
❑ Neighbor2Neighbor Pilot-MVM Memo City Manager Memo
❑ Staff Memo Staff Memo
❑ Program Documents Supporting Documentation
THE CITY OF Dubuque
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Masterpiece on the Mississippi 2007-2012-2013
TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
SUBJECT: Neighbor2Neighbor Pilot (N2N)
DATE: October 30, 2014
City Staff has been working over the past year to develop a pilot program, titled
Neighbor2Neighbor. This program is consistent with the Safe Community Task Force
recommendations.
Currently in the pilot stage, Neighbor2Neighbor (N2N) is expected to be a resident-
driven City-supported program, aimed at promoting interaction, collaboration and strong
relationships among neighbors in an effort to make neighborhoods healthier, safer, and
friendlier. This block-specific program can be associated and/or supported by the
representing Neighborhood Association, or organized independently.
N2N hopes to be a social movement and a toolkit that empowers people to get to know
their neighbors and build better relationships and safer communities.
Police Chief Mark Dalsing and Neighborhood Development Specialist Jerelyn O'Connor
will provide a brief overview.
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Micl4ael C. Van Milligen
MCVM:sv
Attachment
cc: Barry Lindahl, City Attorney
Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager
Teri Goodmann, Assistant City Manager
Mark Dalsing, Police Chief
Jerelyn O'Connor, Neighborhood Development Specialist
Kelly Larson, Human Rights Director
Maurice Jones, Economic Development Director
Manisha Paudel, Human Relations Specialist
Kevin Klein, Community Oriented Policing Captain
Scott Baxter, Police Lieutenant
Nikola Pavelic, Community Engagement Coordinator
Megan Starr, Economic Development Coordinator
2
THE CITY OF Dubuque
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DUBi;aTE All-America City
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Masterpiece on the Mississippi
2007
TO: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
FROM: Neighbor2Neighbor Team
Mark Dalsing, Manisha Paudel, Jerelyn O'Connor, Kevin Klein,
Scott Baxter, Megan Starr
SUBJECT: Neighbor2Neighbor Pilot (N2N)
DATE: October 28, 2014
Introduction
Our team has been working over the past year to develop a pilot program, titled
Neighbor2Neighbor (N2N.) This memo is to provide you an update on our work to date.
Attachment 1 provides a timeline of the work of the committee in developing this pilot
project.
What is Neighbor2Neighbor?
Currently in the pilot stage, Neighbor2Neighbor (N2N) is expected to be a resident-
driven City-supported program, aimed at promoting interaction, collaboration and strong
relationships among neighbors in an effort to make our neighborhoods healthier, safer,
and friendlier. This block-specific program can be associated and/or supported by the
representing Neighborhood Association, or organized independently.
Each N2N program will focus on a specific block, coordinated by a resident of that
block. The block coordinator will collaborate with other residents within the block to
identify areas of focus to make their block a much better place to live for all. Each
participating block/segment of a neighborhood may be unique, as area needs and
expectations are different from block to block.
N2N hopes to be a social movement and a toolkit that empowers people to get to know
their neighbors and build better relationships and safer communities.
How did it start?
Following a series of high profile disturbances in the summer of 2013, Mark Dalsing,
Kevin Klein, and Manisha Paudel discussed program ideas to respond to neighborhood
concerns, recommendations from the Safe Community Task Force, as well as City
Council Goals and Priorities around safety and neighborhood engagement.
Dubuque residents had also proposed the idea to develop a program that strengthens
and fosters relationships among neighbors. It has been found that simply getting to
know neighbors significantly contributes to increased safety and quality of life in a
neighborhood. So, staff in the Human Rights, Neighborhood Development, Economic
Development and Police Departments collaborated to generate the concept of the N2N
program. As this is aimed to be a resident-led program, several meetings were held
with community members to discuss the concept of N2N, name of the program, and
ideas for implementation. Based on the residents' input, several adjustments were
made to the pilot program because we feel it is upmost importance that this effort is
resident led.
The national program, Neighborhood Watch, was implemented in Dubuque a number of
years ago, but participation dropped precipitously and the program was discontinued.
Neighborhood Watch is traditionally crime focused. N2N is a more comprehensive
proactive approach which focuses on building relationships among neighbors and
making our neighborhoods healthier, safer and friendlier.
What is happening now?
Six residents have committed to participate in the pilot program to coordinate N2N in
their blocks. They will be reaching out to their neighbors to discuss and plan activities
relevant and meaningful to them. The pilot program is expected to run for twelve
months. These pilot blocks are located throughout Dubuque. -- one on the 2500 block
of Elm, one on W. Locust, one on Martin Drive, one at Kennedy Manor, one in a
neighborhood near Senior High/Bunker, and one near Finley hospital. Our team has
developed a number of resources for the block coordinators to use — Participation
Outline, registration form, pledge form, sample invitation form, resource checklist, tips
for hosting a neighborhood gathering, and information on the neighborhood assessment
to be conducted by the police department. Samples of this information are attached.
What's Next?
In early November, the team will meet with the block coordinators for the official launch
of this pilot. You are invited to join this meeting to congratulate and thank the block
coordinators for their involvement and leadership.
Please contact us if you have any questions.
Attachments
Neighbor2Neighbor Project Timeline
Neighbor2Neighbor Participation Outline
Neighbor2Neighbor Registration Form
Neighbor2Neighbor Promise
Neighbor2Neighbor Safety Assessment
Neighbor2Neighbor Resource Checklist
Neighbor2Neighbor sample invitation
Neighbor2Neighbor Tips for Hosting a Neighborhood Gathering
Neighbor2Neighbor Project
DATE Action
Following a series of high profile disturbances,the Downtown Neighborhood Association and
June 25,2013 concerned citizens met.Much of the final discussion revolved around neighbors getting to know
each other,especially for the safety of children,as a way to make the neighborhood a better place
to live.
M Dalsing,K Klein and M Paudel discussed program ideas to respond to the immediate
August 12,2013 neighborhood concerns,recommendations from SCTF, as well as Council Goals and Priorities
around safety and neighborhood engagement.
September 3,2013 The initial concept for this project,then known as"Community Cares,"was shared with the City
Council during a special Human Rights Department work session
September 17,2013 The initial"Community Cares"project ideas were shared at the Leadership Team meeting
A"Community Cares"team was established to discuss the program's concepts and feasibility.The
October,2013 core team started with M Dalsing and M Paudel,but team members K Klein,S Baxter,J O'Connor,
and M Starr were brought on to bring their individual expertise to the table
A second name change came about and the project proceeded as"Safe N.E.T. (Neighborhood
Engagement Team)"for the next several months.The core team worked regularly on identifying the
possible structure,process,goals and logistics of the program.
November,2013-March,2014 A series of meetings were held to plan a project pilot,including identifying interested residents to
participate
An initial focus group meeting was held with two residents who had expressed an interest in
March 20,2014 getting more involved in their neighborhoods.Of these two,one provided feedback and then
dropped out of the pilot program and the second remained involved.
Based on the feedback from the initial focus group,a series of meetings were held to further
April,2014-July,2014 develop project details.Additional community members were identified and invited to attend
future focus group meetings.
July 30,2014 A focus group/public input session was held with 24 community members to review the program
and provide feedback.
August 13,2014 An additional focus group/public input session was held with 13 returning community members
from the prior meeting,to further review the program and provide feedback.
September 2,2014 Eight community members signed up to participate in the pilot project.
A series of meetings were held with participating residents,now known as Block
September-October,2014 Champions/Coordinators to CO-CREATE program goals,logistics,corresponding documents and
name.This was done to reassure and practice the overall program goal being"resident-driven".
Rased on consensus.the nmFram was renamed"Ne9Fhhor to Nebrhhor".
October 25,2014 Memo about the program to be sent to City Mgr,including invitation to official program launch
Nov,2014 Official launch session uvith 6 final participant.
1, Neighbor2Neighbor
REGISTRATION
Neighbor to Neighbor is expected to be a resident-driven initiative, aimed to promote interaction,
collaboration and strong relationships amongst neighbors to make our neighborhoods healthier,
safer and friendlier. This block-specific program can be tied to a particular neighborhood associa-
tion or organized independently. Neighbor to Neighbor will look unique to each participating
block/segment of a neighborhood, as needs and desires may vary from block to block.
PLEASE PRINT ALL INFORMATION
Date Information Provided:
Neighborhood
Neighborhood Boundaries:
Define your neighborhood boundaries:
Draw your neighborhood boundaries on the attached map.
Neighborhood Information:
Do you have other people interested to participate? Yes / No
If yes, how many?
How did you hear about Neighbor to Neighbor:
Why do you want to participate in Neighbor to Neigbor?
Name & Address of the Block Champion:
Name:
Address: Zip:
Daytime No: Evening No:
Email
Submit to:
Jerelyn O'Connor 1563-589-4326 joconnor(a cityofdubugue.org
City Hall - 50 W 13th Street, Dubuque, IA 52001
Neighbor2Neighbor is an initiative supported by the City of Dubuque
For more info: www.cityofdubuque.org/NeighborToNeighbor
Neigh bor2Neighbor QUICK
VIEW
Participation Outline
• Identify geographic boundary (block, apt complex, etc)
_ • Identify a few neighbors to help in the process - confirm designated
project leader
• Complete the registration form •
• Meet with staff for orientation and program materials
i
•
• N2N Kickoff meeting invitation sent to 100% residents within the
identified boundary
• Create and share a "Resource List" among each other (contains
contact info, helpful skills/resources, etc)
• Identify needs/issues to address/improve
• Finalize "Promise Page" and share a copy with staff
• Neighborhood "walk-through" with a police officer and neighbors
• Mid-term Review (participation, "Promise Page" items, etc)
• N2N designation •
• Annual Review
• Celebration
• Renewal -from Step 3 •
Neighbor2Neighbor is an initiative supported by the City of Dubuque
For more info: www.cityofdubuque.org/NeighborToNeighbor
' Neigh bor2Neighbor DETAILED
VIEW
Participation Outline
What is a Neighbor 2 Neighbor? Neighbor 2 Neighbor is a City of Dubuque created, resident-led
quality of life and safety initiative which is introduced to fit the specific needs of individual blocks in
Dubuque neighborhoods. This voluntary program brings neighbors together to not only proactively
engage their fellow neighbors, but also promote trust amongst themselves, and to make their block a
healthy, safe and friendly place for all, especially children.
Neighborhoods who take part in the program may have signs posted in their neighborhood,
identifying them as a Neighbor 2 Neighbor Neighborhood.
In order to qualify as a Neighbor 2 Neighbor , a neighborhood must:
Identify or have someone volunteer to be the "Champion" for your neighborhood and complete an
application. The Champion will be responsible for coordinating the program between neighbors and
the City.
• Identify the physical boundaries of what you consider your neighborhood to be. It should be a
manageable geographic area. A recommended size is one block of one street. Areas may be
larger, depending on the population of the area and cooperation of the neighbors. It is
recommended to not exceed one square block.
• Complete and submit an application and receive program materials
• Invitations must be extended to 100% of the residents of your designated neighborhood
• A minimum of 25% of all households in the designated area must agree to participate in the
program, with a goal of the majority of neighbors participating. Over years of participation,
neighborhoods should strive for 100% participation. Agreement to participate is confirmed by
submitting promise forms from neighbors.
• The block Champion must attend an orientation session on the program and tips on organizing
neighbors.
• Organize at least one initial "kick off" meeting to discuss the program, review the promise
sheets and add neighborhood specific promises based on consensus of the neighbors, and
gather and document the results.
• It is recommended that blocks hold regular meetings to discuss successes and areas for
improvement in the neighborhood. The frequency will be based on the residents' needs, but at
least a quarterly meeting is suggested.
• A method of routine communication is suggested, such as email groups, phone trees, social
media groups, or formal on-line groups like nextdoor.com.
Neighbor2Neighbor is an initiative supported by the City of Dubuque
For more info: www.cityofdubuque.org/NeighborToNeighbor
eig h bor2 N eig h borl
End Checklist
Complete Application
Invite 100% of Neighborhood to a kick-off meeting
• Hold kick-off meeting with at least 25% of households represented
• Develop neighborhood promise sheet
• Neighbors sign promise sheet or a poster symbolizing their agreement
• Determine meeting schedules, projects, events
• Request and complete a neighborhood walk-through with the Dubuque
Police Department
• Hold meetings/events as planned
• Maintain records of all activities
• Submit completed information to the City within 6 months of applica-
tion to be considered for recognition as a Neighbor 2 Neighbor block
Receive sign/placards recognizing the neighborhood
Neighbor2Neighbor is an initiative supported by the City of Dubuque
For more info: www.cityofdubuque.org/NeighborToNeighbor
Neigh 1
Resource Checklist for Block Leaders
Please check the box for items that you believe would be helpful for your block.
Resource item
Quantity
needed
i
1. City of Dubuque Services Guide
Designed for Dubuque residents as a go-to guide to services,programs, and
activities offered by Dubuque municipal government.
3. Elected officials flyer
Contact information of the City of Dubuque Mayor and Council Members.
4. Leisure Services book
List of seasonal activities offered by the City's Leisure Services Department,
including programs at the Multicultural Family Center.
5. Local grants and funding sources
List of grants and funds provided by the City and other local sources
6. Neighborhood amenity map
Map of your neighborhood with area amenities and service sites (e.g. bank, school,
bus routes, etc.)
7. Community organizing tips
A list of resources from other communities with tips on events planning, holding
meetings, etc.
8. Safety info and SMART 911
Information on free service protect families by providing more information to first
responders for an efficient service
9. Community Resource Guide
Referral service guide with information on services in Dubuque, Delaware and
Jackson counties.
10. Neighbor 2 Neighbor Participant Package
Promise list, input form, invitation cards, N2N process
11. Community Connection
List of email subscription for programs, services, membership and resources
offered throughout the community.
12. Contact information
A list of contact information of N2N and other relevant staff members
13. Other resources not listed above:
a. a.
b. b.
C. C.
d. d.
e. e.
f. f.
9. g.
, Neigh bor24' ighbor
Tips for Hosting a Neighborhood Gathering
So you have all of neighbors together...now what?
• Know your purpose- Is the purpose of you gathering simply to socialize? Is there a particular
issue facing your block you want to discuss? An event that will take volunteers to help plan? It
will be helpful to define your purpose so you know what activities to plan and so your guests
will know what to expect.You may lose participation at subsequent meetings if folks feel they
are not valued.
• Encourage Participation — Be sure you try to include everyone who shows up in the
conversation, you never know where valuable input and energy will come from. Make sure
everyone is able to introduce themselves, you may know everyone in the meeting but don't
assume your neighbors do.
• Think about Kids— Is you meeting space kid friendly? If you want to ensure good attendance
it may be a good idea to invite kids, however kids can be distracting too. Consider enlisting a
responsible teenage neighbor to babysit kids while adults are meeting. Or if your event is more
about socializing, make sure you incorporate kid-friendly activities.
• Follow-up—Where will you go from here? It's a good idea to have the date for your next
meeting time picked out. Also plan to follow-up with residents who have been assigned any
roles and responsibilities associate with a program or event.
• Broadcast your success - Did you have a great meting? Are plans in the works for a new
event? Let neighbors know! Print a newsletter or flier or create a faceook page or
nextdoor.com account to keep neighbors informed and get them excited about what you are up
to.
Meeting space and supply checklist
✓ Do you have enough space?
If you don't want to host a gathering in your home or if you do not have enough space, chairs, etc..
Don't be afraid to reach out to churches, schools and businesses, these entities will often allow you
to utilize their space and it is a great way to get these organizations involved with youe community
building efforts.
✓ Visibility
A front yard or porch on a sunny day is a great place to hold a casual meeting, other neighbors may
wonder what you are up to and want to join in. If you are meeting indoors, post a "Neighborhood
Meeting Here" sign to create a welcoming vibe and help folks locate your meeting.
✓ ADA access
Make sure everyone who plans to attend will be able to access your meeting,
✓ Refreshments
Refreshments are not always necessary, but asking someone or multiple neighbors to bring a
refreshment is a great way to keep them involved.
✓ Paper or poster board for sharing ideas
Extra markers and pens are a good idea too!
Possible Discussion Topics
What is our vision for our neighborhood?
What do residents of our neighborhood need that we can provide?
How is our particular neighborhood unique?
How can we make our neighborhood a better place to live tomorrow?
Is lighting a concern? Porch lights at night?
Fire safety in the home
Is funding available for neighborhood improvements?
WAYS TO STAY ENGAGED
✓ Recognize of long-standing neighbors
✓ Start a monthly gathering
✓ Create ways to welcome new neighbors
✓ Host a neighborhood open house or block party
✓ Create a neighborhood directory or phone tree
✓ Random acts of kindness
✓ Plan a neighborhood clean-up
✓ Create a neighborhood newsletter
✓ Create a neighborhood economy (exchange babysitting for yard work, baking etc.)
✓ Have neighbors over for wine on the porch
✓ Plant flowers or trees on your block
✓ Build a little free library
✓ Establish a community garden
✓ Paint murals
✓ Create a neighborhood asset inventory
✓ Host holiday/seasonal parties
ell® Neighbor! Hello Neighbor!
Hello Neighbor at Hello Neighbor at
I live at and I stopped by to invite I live at and I stopped by to invite
you to a neighborhood get together at you to a neighborhood get together at
on at pm/am. We want this to be an opportunity on at pm/am. We want this to be an opportunity
for neighbors in our area to meet each other and discuss ways we can for neighbors in our area to meet each other and discuss ways we can
work together to improve our neighborhood. I hope you can make it work together to improve our neighborhood. I hope you can make it
and I look forward to seeing you there!
and I look forward to seeing you there!
Sincerely,
Sincerely,
My name:
My name:
Contact info: Contact info:
Neigh bor2Neighbor is an initiative supported by the City of Dubuque Neighbor2Neighbor is an initiative supported by the City of Dubuque
For more info: www.cityofdubuque.org/NeighborToNeighbor For more info: www.cityofdubuque.org/NeighborToNeighbor
ell® Neighbor! Hello Neighbor!
Hello Neighbor at Hello Neighbor at
I live at , and I stopped by to invite I live at and I stopped by to invite
you to a neighborhood get together at
you to a neighborhood get together at
on at pm/am. We want this to be an opportunity on at pm/am. We want this to be an opportunity
for neighbors in our area to meet each other and discuss ways we can for neighbors in our area to meet each other and discuss ways we can
work together to improve our neighborhood. I hope you can make it work together to improve our neighborhood. I hope you can make it
and I look forward to seeing you there! and l look forward to seeing you there!
Sincerely, Sincerely,
My name:
My name:
Contact info: Contact info:
Neigh bor2Neighbor is an initiative supported by the City of Dubuque Neighbor2Neighbor is an initiative supported by the City of Dubuque
For more info: www.cityofdubuque.org/NeighborToNeighbor For more info: www.cityofdubuque.org/NeighborToNeighbor
What is Neighbor2Neighbor? What is Neighbor2Neighbor?
Neighbor to Neighbor is expected to be a resident-driven initiative, aimed to Neighbor to Neighbor is expected to be a resident-driven initiative, aimed
promote interaction, collaboration and strong relationships amongst to promote interaction, collaboration and strong relationships amongst
neighbors to make our neighborhoods healthier,safer and friendlier.This neighbors to make our neighborhoods healthier,safer and friendlier.This
block-specific program can be tied to a particular neighborhood association block-specific program can be tied to a particular neighborhood association
or organized independently. Neighbor to Neighbor will look unique to each or organized independently. Neighbor to Neighbor will look unique to each
participating block/segment of a neighborhood, as needs and desires may participating block/segment of a neighborhood, as needs and desires may
vary from block to block. vary from block to block.
Neighbor to Neighbor is a social movement and a toolkit that empowers Neighbor to Neighbor is a social movement and a toolkit that empowers
people to get to know their neighbors and build better relationships and people to get to know their neighbors and build better relationships and
safer communities. safer communities.
What is Neighbor2Neighbor? What is Neighbor2Neighbor?
Neighbor to Neighbor is expected to be a resident-driven initiative, aimed to Neighbor to Neighbor is expected to be a resident-driven initiative, aimed
promote interaction,collaboration and strong relationships amongst to promote interaction,collaboration and strong relationships amongst
neighbors to make our neighborhoods healthier, safer and friendlier.This neighbors to make our neighborhoods healthier,safer and friendlier.This
block-specific program can be tied to a particular neighborhood association block-specific program can be tied to a particular neighborhood association
or organized independently. Neighbor to Neighbor will look unique to each or organized independently. Neighbor to Neighbor will look unique to each
participating block/segment of a neighborhood, as needs and desires may participating block/segment of a neighborhood, as needs and desires may
vary from block to block. vary from block to block.
Neighbor to Neighbor is a social movement and a toolkit that empowers Neighbor to Neighbor is a social movement and a toolkit that empowers
people to get to know their neighbors and build better relationships and people to get to know their neighbors and build better relationships and
safer communities. safer communities.
` 1 11 1 11
' Neighbor2Neighbor
As a member of a Neighbor 2 Neighbor neighborhood, I promise to:
Be helpful to my neighbors and watch out for my neighbors and their property
Work with my neighbors to try and resolve problems in a mutually acceptable way
Be an active observer in my neighborhood and report problems to the proper
authorities
Never litter, and pick up trash when I see it, even if it isn't mine. Keep my sidewalk and alley clear and
only put my trash out on trash day.
Keep my yard clean and lawn mowed. Protect the trees and flowers in my neighborhood and plant more
whenever I can
Respect my neighbors and not play loud music or do other things that disturb them. Make sure my
friends and guest follow the same rules.
Follow traffic rules to keep our streets safe
ALWAYS watch out for the children in the neighborhood
Other mutually agreed on neighborhood promises:
Printed Name (Head of Household) Signature Date
Address
Other members of household can sign here
, Neighbor2Neighbor ,
As part of your commitment to the Neigh bor2Neighbor program, the
Dubuque Police would like to assist your block/neighborhood with an assessment
or "walk-through" of your designated area. The purpose of this assessment is to
identify opportunities to improve or enhance the safety and overall quality of life
in your neighborhood. The initial assessment will focus primarily on exterior
elements such as lighting, landscaping, general yard/home maintenance, etc. If
individual residents are interested, personalized home assessments can be
conducted by appointment with DPD's Crime Prevention Officer and/or through
the Community Oriented Policing Unit. The DPD is also willing to provide Block
Champions with the basic knowledge/training to conduct future/ongoing
assessments to ensure the safety and quality of life enhancements are
maintained. As part of both the block/neighborhood assessment and/or the
individual residence assessment, participants will be provided with DPD's Burglary
Prevention Recommendations resource guide (that also includes information on
"Notify Me", Nextdoor.com & other useful resources), as well as an assessment
form/checklist that will assist participants in conducting an efficient, thorough
and comprehensive assessment.
To schedule an assessment, please contact DPD's Crime Prevention Officer:
Lt. Scott Baxter
563-589-4473
sbaxter@cityofdubuque.org
Neighbor2Neighbor is an initiative supported by the City of Dubuque
For more info: www.cityofdubuque.org/NeighborToNeighbor