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City Platform Section II, Step 19:
"Sponsor street fairs, neighborhood celebrations, and multi-cultural community events to bring families together and build stronger ties among neighbors."
Families become more engaged and effective citizens when they have opportunities to connect with others in their community. City officials can foster these connections through community events, such as citywide celebrations or neighborhood fairs, a designated community service day, discussion forums for community residents, and recreational leagues.
City Examples
Providence, R.I.
In 2002, a resident of Providence came up with the idea of National Neighborhood Day, a day set each fall to inspire, build, and sustain the neighborhood relationships that lead to more caring and more effective communities. In Providence, this idea has the strong support of Mayor David Cicilline and has led to a variety of activities over the years, from block parties to barbecues, games to service projects.
Celebrations of National Neighborhood Day have included an all-day band, an evening of dancing, neighbors writing "one kind thought" in chalk on the street, and even a Twister championship. As a result, residents have felt a stronger sense of community and have taken action - individually and collectively - to look out for neighbors and improve their neighborhoods.
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Indianapolis, Ind.
Since 2000, Mayor Bart Peterson has been hosting annual Family Strengthening Summits, bringing the community together to celebrate families, share information, and set community priorities. The event is free - including lunch, snacks, child care, and parking - and offers performances, interactive "game shows," discussion sessions, a fitness obstacle course for children, financial counseling, free books, and more.
To carry out this focus on strong families and neighborhoods throughout the year, Mayor Peterson launched a Family Strengthening Coalition in 2000, sponsors annual Community Service Awards to recognize the volunteer contributions of local residents, and has neighborhood liaisons on staff to foster communication within neighborhoods and between neighborhoods and city government.
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Resources
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