The Unique Power of National Organizations

As a national organization, you have the unique ability to multiply the benefits of the neighboring concept in tough neighborhoods. You can impact the lives of children and families by using the resources, the recognition opportunities, and the communications tools available to your organization and its affiliates. Challenge your organization to incorporate neighboring principles at every level through research, grant making, and programming. Leverage your resources and make every outreach effort’s goal to create stronger families and communities. Here are just a few ideas to get you started:

• Communicate with your affiliates using vehicles such as Web sites and newsletters to publicize your programs that serve tough communities. Spread the word about this Web site Action Kit and its print companion to strengthen neighboring initiatives.
• Recognize affiliate and staff neighboring efforts. Nominate volunteers and programs for the Daily Point of Light Award and other national and local recognition awards – or create your own!
• Build the capacity of your staff and affiliates to partner with tough communities by running workshops on partnering with tough communities at your national conference and by training the trainers who will strengthen the abilities of local leaders.
• Identify community leaders from tough neighborhoods and invite them to join an advisory group to plan effective programs for their neighborhoods.
• Demonstrate your dedication by designating one neighborhood as a full partner and building a relationship with community members. Establish a comprehensive program that strengthens families and transforms neighborhoods and use the experience as a model for future projects.
• Support and commit to the cause of strengthening families and their communities. Share organizational resources such as expertise, time, human resources, and materials.
• Report program outcomes through ongoing evaluations to keep improving on future community outreach efforts.