The best way to increase involvement in your neighborhood association is by asking
Studies consistently show that personal, one-on-one meeting requests lead to higher attendance rates than group or email invitations. A study cited by the Harvard Business Review found that face-to-face requests are 34 times more successful than emails. Here’s a template for that conversation you can use to make your ask.
Example Script:
Hello, my name is [Your Name], and I live at [Your Address]. I’m on the neighborhood association board, and I’d like to personally invite you to our next meeting.
It’s on [Date of Meeting] at [Time of Meeting] at [Location of Meeting]. We’ll be talking about things that affect all of us, like [mention 2-3 specific topics, e.g., planning this year’s block party, updates on the new park, and how to improve neighborhood safety]. It’s a great opportunity to get to know more of your neighbors and share your ideas.
We’d love to have you join us. Is there a good way for me to get you an agenda or more information?
Muncie Neighborhood’s 2nd Annual Pool Party at Tuhey Pool was a blast! Families and neighbors from all over the community came together for a free night of fun celebrating Muncie’s neighborhoods with popsicles, hot dogs, BINGO, yard games, swimming, and friends!
Several great opportunities to improve your neighborhood are coming your way starting this summer! All sessions will occur at the Innovation Connector, 1208 W. White River Blvd. Tickets will be available on Eventbrite and offered through the Muncie Action Plan Facebook event page, so like and follow them for sign-up info! Food will be provided. See below for a list of what’s in store!
INTERACTING WITH LOCAL GOVERNMENT
City Government: Citizen Access to Our City Government
Monday, August 6, 2018 (5:30 – 7:00 PM) This session will cover the basic structure, offices, and activities of your city government. Participants will understand the various responsibilities of the departments, with a special emphasis on services. Presented By: Bowen Center for Public Affairs, Ball State University
County Government: Citizen Access to Our County Government
Monday, September 3, 2018 (5:30 – 7:00 PM) This session will cover the basic structure, offices, and activities of your county government. Participants will understand the various responsibilities of the departments, with a special emphasis on services. Presented By: Bowen Center for Public Affairs, Ball State University
State Government: Citizen Access to Our State Government
Monday, October 1, 2018 (5:30 – 7:00 PM) This session will cover the basic structure, offices, and activities of your state government. Participants will understand the various responsibilities of the departments, with a special emphasis on services. Presented By: Bowen Center for Public Affairs, Ball State University
FUNDING
Crowdfunding Basics for Your Neighborhood
Monday, November 5, 2018 (5:30 – 7:00 PM) Crowdfunding platforms such as Go Fund Me, Kickstarter, and Patroncity offer unique opportunities to raise funds for your neighborhood. In this session we will review the basics of these platforms along with fundamental strategies for implementation. Presented By: Mitch Isaacs (Shafer Leadership Academy), Aimee Fant (Muncie Action Plan), Heather Williams (Building Better Neighborhoods)
Dues Collection Strategies
Monday, January 7, 2019 (5:30 – 7:00 PM) Several local neighborhood association use “dues” to fund their efforts. Join us for this panel discussion where panelists will share their strategies for due collection. Presented By: panel of local associations
Engaging Local Businesses
Monday, February 4, 2019 (5:30 – 7:00 PM) The businesses in your neighborhood can be great assets. In this session we will discuss the methods for making local businesses partners in your neighborhood. Business engagement goes beyond fundraising and incorporates various strategies for including business in decision making, planning, and implementation. Presented by: panel of local associations
This workbook has been prepared for Muncie’s neighborhood organizers under the direction of: Muncie Action Plan’s (MAP) Task Force 2 Initiative and the Building Better Neighborhoods (BBN) program in Ball State University’s Office of Community Engagement.
The following information is based on publicly available information, and the activities of current Muncie neighborhood associations.
In this workbook, you will find a guide to forming and maintaining a neighborhood association, sections addressing issues and challenges faced by neighborhood organizers, and a collection of ideas and resources.
Please join us on August 17th from 5:30 – 7:00 pm at the Innovation Connector, 1208 W. White River Blvd for this free neighborhood association development opportunity.
Modern work and life requires effective digital communication. The digital world, however, carries its own set of rules, practices, and etiquette. Join us for this session as we briefly explore the concept of emotional intelligence, and then examine how to apply those concepts to your digital interactions. This session is ideal for neighborhood association members who are looking for more effective, healthy, and emotionally satisfying interactions in the digital world. Basic knowledge of e-mail, social media platforms, and texting will be required for this session.
This session will be co-hosted by Aimee Fant, MAP Neighborhoods Coordinator and David Neidert, Author and Public Speaker. (http://davidlneidert.com/)
UPDATE: We’re booked! Proposals are no longer being accepted for this year’s conference.
On March 5, 2016, 130 Muncie residents attended the first Neighborhood I.D.E.A. Conference.
The Muncie Action Plan, Shafer Leadership Academy and Building Better Neighborhoods are partnering once again to support the development of neighborhood leaders.
The second annual Neighborhood I.D.E.A. Conference is scheduled for March 4, 2017 on Ball State’s campus. Over 100 of Muncie’s most active local leaders will gather to listen, learn and meet like-minded individuals to share ideas and best practices.
Learn more about this year’s conference in this excellent article over at the MuncieJournal!
The theme of the conference is Intentional Development and Education for Association Members. Sessions will fall within four distinct tracks:
Beautification and Infrastructure
Partnering with Local Officials
Teamwork and Collaboration
Association Development
Do you have an idea you would like to share at the conference or a topic you want to see discussed? We are currently taking submissions. The Call for Proposals can be found here.
For those individuals and organizations who are interested in presenting at this conference, please submit proposals by January 9th. Questions may be directed to Krista Flynn, BSU Office of Community Engagement at kflynn@bsu.edu.
download the handbook (pdf)
