Know Your Neighbors Day Resources

Information by State  Print version   Related Information   Certificate of Appreciation   Family Fun Day Flyer   Potluck Signup Sheet   Word Search   15th Anniversary Coloring Page   Neighborhood Cleanup Day Flyer   Tips for Including and Encouraging Non- or Limited-English-Speaking Residents to Participate

Strong communities begin with neighbors knowing each other and looking out for one another's well-being. Know Your Neighbors Day focuses on building the bonds of neighbors to build stronger communities. To observe this day, centers may choose to host community events, such as block parties, potlucks, barbecues, festivals, or open houses. The following are examples of events that centers can host for Know Your Neighbors Day.

Open House

This easy-to-create event can bring neighbors together and spark local community and media interest. An open house is an excellent opportunity to spotlight the resources a center offers and the results it is achieving. Neighborhood Networks centers can showcase their services and residents to the community at an open house and invite potential partners and volunteers. Potential open house activities can include:

	Program spotlight. Invite residents, community partners, local officials, and businesses to the center and showcase a successful program.
	Recognition ceremony. Highlight the achievements of residents, or a recent graduating class, by presenting awards or certificates. Provide refreshments to encourage invitees to network and talk with center staff and residents. A certificate of appreciation is available through the Neighborhood Networks Week Event Planning Guide.

Grand Opening

Centers that are planning to open can host a grand opening ceremony during Neighborhood Networks Week. Banners and other materials for use at an open house are available from the Neighborhood Networks Information Center. To host a grand opening, centers can:

	Invite residents and the public to the new center to see the various programs available.
	Advertise in the "volunteer opportunities" section of local newspapers to attract potential volunteers to the grand opening.
	Recognize partners that have assisted in the opening of the center.
	Ask a local business to become a partner and donate refreshments or a door prize.
	Invite community leaders and the local media (see the publicity campaign materials later in this guide).

Arts and Music Festival

Many Neighborhood Networks centers sponsor creative music and arts programs that can be highlighted through exhibits and concerts during Neighborhood Networks Week. Centers can showcase the creative works of residents by setting up a center art gallery for public viewing, or holding a concert or dance recital to raise funds. Centers can also:

	Invite local artists and musicians to attend, speak, and/or perform.
	Ask local businesses, nonprofits, and/or colleges that support the arts to participate and provide support or resources to further center programs.
	Provide profiles of talented residents who have contributed locally to the arts and music scene.
	Develop an art-based theme and tagline and use them in promotional materials, such as posters or news releases.

Awards Ceremony

Recognize the achievements of residents, center staff, volunteers, and partners during Neighborhood Networks Week. Centers can sponsor a luncheon, tea, reception, or dinner to recognize:

	Property owners and managers. Pay special tribute to the property owner and/or manager for their contributions to the center, which helps to build positive relationships and foster continuing support.
	Staff and volunteers. Honor the outstanding work and contributions of dedicated staff and volunteers to boost work enthusiasm and reduce turnover rates.
	Residents. Create specific awards for seniors, adults, and youth to acknowledge their special achievement or reaching of a key personal goal. Presenting awards to residents increases their confidence and involvement.
	Partners. Recognizing center partners increases the chances that they will stay involved. Honoring partners also shows potential new partners the value of participation. Consider presenting a partner with a plaque or framed certificate of appreciation.

Community Carnival

This classic summer event is popular with children and adults. Community carnivals bring neighbors together while reaching out to the larger community. Here are some suggestions:

	Establish a center committee to create games and activities for children and adults.
	Prepare a variety of foods and treats that appeal to both children and adults. Serving good food creates a fun and enjoyable atmosphere.
	Hire a clown to entertain and paint the children's faces.
	Advertise the carnival with posters, flyers, and a news release.

Block Party Holding a community or neighborhood block party to observe Neighborhood Networks Week allows neighbors to get to know one another. Activities might include:

	Hosting a barbecue or buffet.
	Organizing a potluck dinner so that residents can bring their favorite foods to share. A potluck sign-up sheet is available in the Neighborhood Networks Week Event Planning Guide.
	Baking a special Neighborhood Networks Week cake or cupcakes.
	Announcing a new partnership or program at the block party.

Family Fun Day

Because a strong family leads to a strong community, centers may host an event that encourages family unity. These events may include:

	Family fun events that provide parents and their children an opportunity to socialize with neighbors.
	A family fun day that is held on a Friday night or Saturday to ensure maximum participation.
	Family games that include board games, cards, and/or darts, and have families competing in charades, musical chairs, etc.
	Arts and crafts activities that families can do together.
	Sporting events for the entire family such as softball, volleyball, and team challenges.
	A family dance for moms, dads, sons, daughters, sisters, brothers, grandparents, and extended family members.

A Family Fun Day flyer is available through the Neighborhood Networks Week Event Planning Guide.

The Neighborhood Networks Week Event Planning Guide features numerous resources for Know Your Neighbors Day, including the links listed under the "Related Information" on this page.