RNeighbors, Rochester's Neighborhood Resource Center, is thinking grassroots these days, both figuratively and literally.

We're getting back to our roots as a resource center for neighborhoods and neighborhood associations by focusing on three on-going program areas: neighborhood communication, neighborhood improvement and neighborhood organization.

Right now, we're helping several new neighborhoods get organized at the grassroots level.

We've been busy dramatically expanding, updating and fine-tuning our neighborhood organization "toolkit", a packet of resource materials that will offer neighbors step-by-step suggestions on how to form and maintain a thriving neighborhood association.

We've been busy helping lay the groundwork for this year's NeighborWoods tree-plantings, as well as launching our new website and this powerfully-interactive weblog, called RVoices.

We're attending neighborhood association meetings, talking to neighborhood leaders by phone and email, not only to promote our programs and services, but also to expand their scope by asking questions - by finding out what neighborhoods need most from us.

Simply put, we're exploring new ways that we can serve as a resource to Rochester's neighborhoods and neighborhood associations.

RNeighbors' staff and its talented, enthusiastic board of directors is initiating contact, getting out and discussing and exchanging ideas. We're listening to what neighborhoods tell us they need.

That's why we've recently launched NeighborSigns, a new neighborhood yard sign initiative that will depend on grassroots participation from neighbors, as well as, literally, on the grassroots of their lawns.

The concept for NeighborSigns grew out of feedback that RNeighbors received from leaders within several active neighborhood associations; all agreed that yard signs would be an effective way to announce and promote their regularly scheduled monthly meetings.

Several NA’s also expressed frustration over the time it takes to distribute flyers door-to-door in advance of their monthly meetings; others indicated that their email contact lists were far from inclusive.

Yard signs will provide a tangible and much-needed service to neighborhoods associations – the ability to get the word out about their regular monthly meetings without the time, effort and people-power it takes to distribute flyers on a door-to-door basis.

At present, only one Rochester neighborhood association – Kutzky Park (KPNA) – has yard signs that neighbors put up in advance of their regular monthly meeting. These yard signs have proved very beneficial to Kutzky. Yard signs have increased attendance at monthly meetings, drawn new neighbors into active roles in their association, and helped raise the overall profile of the neighborhood association.

Since KPNA meets on the same day/week/time/place of the month, neighbors typically put their signs out on the Wednesday prior to their regular meeting, held the second Tuesday of each month, then take them down immediately after. Thus, their signs only remain up for six days prior to their regular monthly meeting.

In light of all this, RNeighbors has decided to facilitate and PAY FOR the creation of yard signs for each and every Rochester neighborhood association that holds regular meetings.

These signs will be standard, campaign-sized yard signs, made of long-lasting corrugated plastic that stands up to every kind of weather. The signs should last for years.

Our goal is to produce an effective sign that helps neighborhood associations flourish, but does not in any way compromise neighborhood aesthetics.

Therefore, we will not "flood" neighborhoods with signs but will instead:

* offer a limited number of yard signs, 25-50 depending on the size of the neighborhood association.

* encourage strategic placement throughout neighborhoods.

* ask that signs only remain out in yards for up to a week prior to a regular meeting after which they should be taken down and stored.

* create an attractive sign that offers each neighborhood association the opportunity to express its unique personality by including its logo.

In addition, each neighborhood association will be able to have a say in the layout/design/color, as well as view and approve a proof before its signs are made.

Our overiding misson with NeighborSigns is to give neighborhood associations a great-looking sign that helps spread the word about their upcoming meeting, eliminates the hassle of door-to-door distribution of flyers, and increases attendance by drawing in new active members.

If your neighborhood association is interested in finding out more about NeighborSigns, please don't hesitate to contact us for details.

Sincerely,
Dan Butterfass

RNeighbors
Program Director
Massey Building
202 First Avenue SW, Mezzanine Level
Rochester MN, 55902
Phone: 421-0573 (cell)
529-4150 (office)
Email: dan@rneighbors.org [1]