CONNECT

February 2018



The Impact of Neighborhood Relationships

Social Disorganization Theory was developed in the 1940s by two criminologists, Clifford Shaw and Henry McKay. The modern theory proposes that crime prevention is significantly impacted by our social networks. A willingness of neighbors to trust one another and to intervene in a problem situation can help balance residents when other factors are tipping the scales. In a June 2007 article written for Old Dominion University's Quest, professors Ruth Triplett and Randy Gainey outlined three causes for the impact:

Knowledge of our neighbors gives us the feeling that we have a responsibility to watch out for them.
This same knowledge tells us when someone is out of place or something inappropriate is going on.
Caring neighbors are more likely to agree upon common problems and work together to solve them.
We've recently engaged in multiple conversations about a grassroots desire to form or strengthen neighborhood organizations, and it's easy to see why we believe those organizations foster relationships that support the safety and well-being of their residents. One common question is: where to start?

Every organization needs a purpose, and goals that serve the purpose. Opportunities abound when it comes to creating neighborhood goals - read about some options below!

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In This Issue

Impact of Neighborhood Relationships

Neighborhood Challenge Launches 2018 Competition

Civics 101: February - March

Cycle 31 Dates Set for Neighborhood Initiative Grants

Manasota Neighborhoods Summit: February 23

Neighborhood Environmental Stewardship Workshop: February 24

Spread the Critical Word with CodeRED Notifications

Community Recycling Bins - Keep America Beautiful Grant

Hazardous Household Waste Clean-up

Open House: Floodplain Management Plan



Civic Education & Involvement

The Neighborhood Challenge is kicking off the 2018 competition with a launch event on March 7 at the Gulf Gate Library. This is your chance to hear about the work last year's Champions completed to meet their goals of becoming greener, healthier, more involved neighborhoods. Bring curiosity and questions; leave with ideas and inspiration! Please register for this free event.




The winter session of Civics 101 is in full swing, and we'll be announcing summer dates soon. Students are learning about the wealth of services, programs and resources available through Sarasota County government. There's no doubt that graduates of this course return to their neighborhoods equipped with new knowledge that can help them reach their goals! Check out this video clip from a class activity.

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Neighborhood Initiative Grants

Dates for Cycle 31 of the Neighborhood Initiative Grant Program have been set. If you're looking for money to improve the character, leadership, safety, health, or environment of your neighborhood - attend an application seminar to find out how you can obtain up to $10,000 toward your neighborhood goals. Completed applications will be due August 15, with approval by the Sarasota County Commission set for October 23.


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Other News

There is still time to register for the Manasota Neighborhoods Summit, where your neighborhood can learn about trends and best practices on a variety of topics. What a great opportunity to set some new goals for your neighborhood! Registration is $20 and includes breakfast.



There is also still time to register for the NESTCommunity Workshop. The February 24 event will provide a venue for residents, neighborhoods and civic groups to interact with subject matter experts, seasoned volunteers and advocates, as well as potential funding sources - on topics including Florida-Friendly planting, stormwater ponds, and wildlife. Register for this free event.



Keep your neighborhood informed by registering with Sarasota County's CodeRED system. This system sends critical communications to all or targeted areas within the county in case of a situation that requires immediate action. Alerts might pertain to contaminated drinking water, utility outages, evacuation notice/route, missing persons, fire/flood/bomb/hostage/spill/leak incidents, or weather warnings. Once you get the message, spread it to your neighbors!


Keep America Beautiful is pleased to announce the 2018 Park Recycling Infrastructure Grant program in partnership with Dr. Pepper Snapple Group. Organizations are eligible to receive recycling bins for cans and bottles, to be placed in "on-the-go" settings - including neighborhood parks! Application deadline is February 23.




Another way to keep your neighborhood clean is by participating in a Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event. The City of Sarasota and Sarasota County are partnering to host such an event this Saturday, February 17 from 8am - noon at Payne Park. See the flier for the types of items that will be accepted.






A Public Open House has been scheduled for March 5 at 4:30pmat SCTI to explore floodplain management. If your neighborhood goal relates to resiliency from flooding, this is the open house for you! Prepare to provide input at the event by reviewing the draft Floodplain Management Plan.



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Until we Connect again,
Your Neighborhood Services Team
Jane Grogg
Miranda Lansdale
Katie White



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