RTV #1 - Tumble Down Fences & Throw a Block Party!

A Year of Raising the Village: Week #1- Block Party

A caring community can start with neighborhoods! The Search Institute has found that in strong communities, people define themselves in terms of informal relationships, like neighbors, rather than in terms of what programs they belong to.

Consider throwing (or co-hosting) a neighborhood block party to initiate or deepen your relationship with the people who live geographically closest to you! Don’t forget to include children and youth in on the planning- this is a great opportunity for multi-generational interactions!


Follow these links for ideas on hosting a block party:

http://getoutbeactive.com/neighborhood-block-party

http://powerupyouth.wordpress.com/2010/06/14/how-to-hold-a-block-party

For more from the Search Institute and their developmental assets see: http://www.search-institute.org/developmental-assets-are-free

Village Raising Tip!

The social benefits involved in neighbourhood block parties can be extended from neighbourhoods to the larger community. Encourage people to consider how their neighbourhood parties can also contribute to the larger community (i.e. a fundraiser for a local child or community serving organization or awareness around community issues).