Neighborhood Organizing
One of the most important goals of the Neighborhood Alliance is to help neighborhoods start and maintain strong associations.
Discover the power of voluntary neighborhood organizing – we understand that it takes commitment to foster a better community, whether it's within the proximity of your next-door neighbors, your block, your entire neighborhood, or your entire city. The benefits of socially connected neighborhoods are evident and range from reduced crime and enhanced property values to seniors aging in place longer and improved academic performance for children. With the Neighborhood Alliance of Central Oklahoma (NACOK) as your guide, you'll learn how to cultivate the level of community engagement that aligns with your vision. Collaborating with our Community Organizers, the City of OKC departments, OCPD, the City of Norman, and various other agencies and professionals, we're here to empower you in achieving your neighborhood goals. Thank you for caring enough to explore the journey towards being a good neighbor and building a stronger, more connected community.
This section will provide tools for organizing and growing your Neighborhood Association. If you have any questions or other needs, please contact us.
The Neighborhood Alliance is the only registry of neighborhoods in OKC and Norman. In this registry, we ask for the neighborhood name, boundaries and leadership contacts. It is a confidential list and only shared with the municipality, the police departments for neighborhood safety reasons, and state elected officials.
If the Zoning Department gets an application for a new development of homes that are very different from the typical homes in your area they can notify not only those residents within 300 feet, but if you are registered, they can also notify the neighborhood President.
If a dispensary has applied to go into business at the entry to your neighborhood, the President can also be notified of the hearing date. In other words, the neighborhood will receive valuable information on important applications and plans that are happening in and around your boundaries which will help you have input on decisions before they are finalized.
Neighborhood beautification means making a neighborhood look and feel better.
Community projects can be pretty simple but can go a long, long way to beautifying a space. From identifying sign toppers to enhancing your community's natural elements, there is always something to do that will add a bit of flair.
Helpful Links:
Oklahoma City Beautiful - A nonprofit organization working to improve the image and appearance of Oklahoma City.
Oklahoma City Community Foundation, Parks & Public Space Initiative - Through the Parks & Public Space Initiative, the Oklahoma City Community Foundation provides grants for landscaping and beautification projects throughout Oklahoma County.
The City of Oklahoma City Parks and Recreation Department - Information on city parks and programs available throughout Oklahoma City.
The City of Oklahoma City Planning Department - Murals - Information regarding murals and its approval process in Oklahoma City.
Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, & Forestry - Information regarding agriculture in the state of Oklahoma.
In order to open a bank account in the association's name you must be incorporated and to be incorporated you must have bylaws. However, bylaws are important for other reasons as well!
Good bylaws can help avoid the perception of arbitrary decision-making. Bylaws are an internal living and breathing neighborhood document that must be amended, occasionally, by vote, based on the neighborhood's changes and needs. This document serves as guidelines to maintain consistency as members and leaders change. They address issues such as organizational purpose, membership boundaries, board of directors (traditional officers or leadership team model) and standing committees—among other things. They should also reflect the grassroots and democratic nature of neighborhood associations. It is important that bylaws outline grievance procedures. A good rule in writing bylaws is to keep them as simple as possible.
Helpful Links:
City resources play a pivotal role in empowering neighborhood associations. These valuable assets bolster community and quality of life. Neighborhood associations rely on city services to organize events, enhance safety, and promote community development. In essence, city resources act as the lifeblood of neighborhood associations, reinforcing their capacity to nurture vibrant, resilient communities.
Helpful Links:
https://nacok.org/resources/city-community-service-resources-and-links/
Oklahoma City's Key to Home partnership is a collaboration of over 40 organizations committed to ending and preventing homelessness. You can print out a great resource guide with numbers and support programs here.
https://www.okc.gov/residents/action-center
https://www.okc.gov/residents/action-center/common-code-violations
https://www.normanok.gov/your-government/city-ordinances-municipal-code
Crime Prevention is an important part of the mission of Neighborhood Alliance. We all deserve a safe place to live; however, the police cannot accomplish this goal alone. We all must join forces to create safer neighborhoods.
For neighborhoods in Oklahoma City, you will find a link below to a monthly Crime Statistical Report compiled by the Oklahoma City Police Department, with an individualized monthly crime report for every neighborhood that is registered with NACOK. This information helps you and your residents know what the crime trends are and if you are keeping your car doors locked, and burglars at bay.
If you are not represented on this list, register your neighborhood here so we can get your info to OCPD.
Helpful Links:
https://nacok.org/resources/crime-prevention/
https://nacok.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Neighbor-Identification-Card-for-print.pdf
Crime reports are a powerful tool for neighbors. They allow neighbors to track crime trends in their area and assign extra safety efforts where needed. Neighborhood-Specific Crime Reports are produced MONTHLY by the Oklahoma City Police Department.
Helpful Links:
Effective communication is imperative in any relationship, including with your neighbors! The trick is to strike a good balance, do not send so much information that your audience tunes you out but do not leave them in the dark or forget to give them enough notice of events!
There are many types of communications and each neighborhood's needs are different.
Helpful Links:
How to get your Neighborhood Newsletters Printed for Free! link to Community Action
Types of Neighborhood Communications Link to Communications Workshop
The Do’s and Don’ts of Neighborhood Directories
Neighborhoods are not only working with public money, but you are spending your neighbor's money, which carries an even higher level of responsibility. Therefore, your Board must adopt and follow Financial Policies to ensure all funds are handled ethically.
A good set of policies will help any neighborhood attract a better Treasurer, as scrupulous people who are used to dealing with public funds, want good rules around them so they never have to be accused of unfounded accusations. The Board should worry about the people who say they are such finance experts that they do not need any policies, or any standards to follow because they are typically the ones to watch closely!
Helpful Tools:
- Self-Audit Tool created by a CPA for Neighborhoods
- Sample Financial Policies
- Bank Accounts and Bank Cards & FEIN #
Fundraising is pivotal for neighborhood associations, as it empowers them to provide invaluable support and resources to their neighborhood. These funds fuel community development and neighborhood enhancement projects.
NACOK offers a unique Donor Designated program for large gifts that can make any gift of cash or goods to your neighborhood tax deductible for the donor. Additionally, the Oklahoma City Community Foundation (OCCF) has a landscaping grant some neighborhoods qualify for, called the Parks & Public Space Initiative.
By contributing to fundraising efforts, individuals and businesses not only uplift their communities but also leave a lasting legacy of positive change in their neighborhoods!
It is crucial for neighborhood associations to understand how to advocate for their communities at public forums, like City Council Meetings, Board of Adjustment, Traffic Commission Meetings, MAPS Meetings, and even Planning Commission. These gatherings provide a direct platform for expressing local concerns, ideas, and needs. By actively engaging with City Council, associations can influence decisions regarding zoning, public services, and development that profoundly impact their neighborhoods. Informed advocacy ensures that the unique character and well-being of the community are preserved and improved. This engagement also fosters a sense of ownership and participation, strengthening neighborhood bonds.
Helpful Resources:
- How to advocate for your nhd’ document
Voluntary neighborhood associations can foster community through a myriad of events and neighborly acts of kindness. Hosting events like block parties, clean-up days, and cultural celebrations brings residents together, promoting social bonds and a shared sense of identity. Acts of kindness, such as helping neighbors in need or organizing support networks, create a culture of mutual assistance, reinforcing trust and camaraderie. These initiatives instill a spirit of cooperation and shared responsibility, making neighborhoods safer, friendlier, and more vibrant.
Neighborhood officers play a vital role in the success of neighborhood associations. They act as the backbone of these groups, providing leadership, coordination, and a direct link between the community and local authorities. These officers help in organizing events, addressing concerns, and fostering a sense of unity among residents. Their dedication and efforts contribute to safer, more vibrant neighborhoods, where everyone's voice is heard. By being a point of contact and source of support, neighborhood officers empower associations to tackle local issues effectively and ensure residents' well-being. Their commitment to community building and advocacy is essential in strengthening the overall fabric of neighborhood associations.
Neighborhood leadership training is indispensable for the growth and effectiveness of neighborhood associations. The programs we offer, such as Jumpstart and Neighborhood Leaders of Today workshops, equip leaders with essential skills, knowledge, and resources. They learn how to engage their communities, navigate local governance, and address pressing issues. Effective leaders drive positive change, improve safety, and enhance the quality of life in their neighborhoods. By participating in these workshops, neighborhood associations are better prepared to handle challenges, advocate for their communities, and build stronger networks. In essence, investing in leadership training is an investment in the future of these associations, ensuring they can thrive and make a lasting impact on their neighborhoods.
Helpful Links:
NLT https://nacok.org/programs/
Jumpstart - https://nacok.org/events/event-listings-registrations/
NACOK events https://nacok.org/events/nacok-calendar-of-events/
It takes a community to keep our city clean! Our friends at Oklahoma City Beautiful sponsor a yearly program called Litterblitz. LitterBlitz provides the opportunity to give back and connect with friends, neighbors, civic clubs, and coworkers as well as the environment in a safe and easy way.
Decorative streetlights can add warmth and elegance to your neighborhood. The City of Oklahoma City can help you get them, but most of the job will be yours. The City installs practical, efficient streetlights to make your neighborhood safe at the lowest possible cost to you.
Helpful Links:
https://www.okc.gov/residents/action-center/neighborhood-resources/decorative-street-lighting
Neighborhood identification signs identify the neighborhood’s name, mark its boundaries and help reinforce the neighborhoods’ identity. The purpose of the Neighborhood/District Identification Street Marker Sign Topper program is to establish design requirements for neighborhoods and/or districts identification sign toppers and an application and permit fee process for parties seeking to have sign toppers installed above City maintained street marker assemblies that are installed within the public right-of-way.
Helpful Links:
Keeping neighbors engaged is necessary for neighborhood sustainability. New members can become new officers and new neighborhood leaders. Give your neighbors the opportunity to get involved!
Helpful documents coming soon.
Starting or joining a neighborhood group offers a variety of benefits only Neighborhood Associations can provide, including increased safety, a powerful voice in getting city services, way to improve area and property values, an avenue for leadership development, a feeling of community belonging, and he ability to apply for grants to create safety and beautification projects for your neighborhood.
The first steps in organizing your voluntary neighborhood are making sure there is not an existing organized neighborhood in the area, followed by identifying what type of neighborhood organization you want to establish (block activation, neighborhood activation, or coalition building) and what type of leadership model (traditional or leadership team model).
Helpful Links:
- Steering committee roles and responsibilities
- Traditional vs Leadership Team Model
- Register/update your neighborhood information
Research shows that residents would attend a Neighborhood meeting if...
- Goals were accomplished
- Residents were given an opportunity to be heard
- Meeting was time limited
- And the number one reason...Snacks were served!!!!
All great neighborhoods must have resident input and the best way to do that is through meetings. We get it, meetings can be boring and get out of hand, and no one wants to attend. So, do something about it! Follow some of these helpful suggestions and see if any of them help.
Helpful Resources:
- Utilizing Speakers at Meetings
- Creating an Agenda, you can Stick To
- How to Effectively Deal with Disruptive or Angry Attendees
- Meeting Procedures
- How to Prepare for Different Types of Meetings (Board Meetings, Annual Meetings, Special Meetings, Electronic Meetings, Membership Meetings, etc.)
Sidewalks separated from the roadway are the preferred accommodation for pedestrians. Neighborhood sidewalks provide many benefits including safety, mobility, and healthier communities. In addition to reducing walking along roadway crashes, sidewalks reduce other pedestrian crashes. They provide a way for families to walk to their local library, neighborhood meeting, and recreation center.
Helpful Information
OKC's Maps 4 has allocated $96.5 million to transform the environment in neighborhoods across the city by providing funding for sidewalks, bike lanes, trails and streetlights. Phase 1 of sidewalks are slated to begin in 2024, with four additional phases to run through 2028.
OKC also offers a Sidewalk Repair and Replacement Program, which helps residents improve their neighborhood walkability through a 50/50 cost split. Find out if you qualify by reviewing the guidelines here.
For neighbors in Norman, there are a six programs which invest in sidewalks annually. A few examples include a Sidewalk and Curb Replacement Program, Sidewalks & Trails Program, and Sidewalk Accessibility Program.
A committee is a group of people, from the larger association, who are appointed to work on a specific task. Whatever the purpose of the committee it is important to find the right person to lead the committee and the right members to be on the committee. Good Committees to have: Welcome Committee, Audit Committee, Membership Committee, Safety Committee and Social Committee.
Volunteers are, without a doubt, one of the most valuable resources a neighborhood association can gain access to. This is primarily the case because neighborhood associations often rely on volunteers to carry out neighborhood projects.
Neighborhood volunteers usually give their time and skills to support the neighborhood's events and goals.
Need volunteers?
OU's Big Event began in 1999, and is an annual day of service held each spring. More than 6,000 student volunteers head out across the metro to volunteer at over 200 jobsites! Neighborhoods typically utilize volunteers to pick up trash, paint, garden, and various other light labor activities. In the fall, a smaller day of service, called Little Event, is held.
UCO's Big Event is also an annual day of service held in the spring. An average of 600-800 students head to 100 job sites across Edmond and OKC. Neighborhoods typically utilize volunteers to pick up trash, paint, garden, and various other light labor activities. In the fall, a smaller day of service, called Little Event, is held.
Many of our resources are PDF files.
You will need Adobe Reader to open these files. You can download it at no cost here.