Revitalizing & Maintaining Watch Groups One of the biggest challenges to Neighborhood Watch is maintaining momentum. When NW groups organize around safety concerns, enthusiasm is usually high and participation good. A few months later, the excitement dies down and communication often sags. In order to maintain a strong group, expand the focus of your Watch group. It is important to find other activities to keep your group engaged. The newly revitalized USAonWatch program embraces this idea by encouraging partnerships and viewing NW in an all-hazards approach. • Develop an email newsletter. An electronic newsletter will save copying and mailing costs, can provide essential information, and often may be linked to your local law enforcement agency’s homepage. • Form a team to actively recruit new members or encourage previous members to attend. Lack of attendance can sometimes be a lack of information. If neighbors are informed about safety and security issues they may be more willing to attend. • Expand NW concerns beyond crime prevention to include quality of life issues and fun activities to build community spirit. • Exercise or Walking Groups It’s easier to pursue fitness with a companion. Arrange with some of your neighbors to run, walk. or bike regularly. While doing this you may notice subtle changes in your neighborhood and unusual activity. • Garage Sale Pitch in together and buy an ad for a big neighborhood sale. You can use the money to purchase signs, radios. and vests for your Neighborhood Watch group. • Neighborhood Clean Up and Landscape Trimming Rent a dumpster for a weekend. Neighbors can share tools and expertise to help one another. Cap the day with a barbecue or a night of desserts and visiting.
Posted on: Wed, 16 Jul 2014 08:36:33 +0000
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