Welcome!
March 8, 2008
Neighbors and friends,
It is my pleasure to welcome you to the new online home of Neighbors for Neighbors.
Over the last year we’ve worked hard to formalize our operation. We’ve incorporated and are recognized as a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization. In the last six months we surveyed our membership and responded to their input by creating this new site and the Neighbors for Neighbors, JP Organizing Network.
Our future is full of possibility and we believe we’ve created the infrastructure to sustain it.
These accomplishments are possible because of those who serve on our board and volunteer their services.
Current board members are: Kerrin Flanagan, Communications; Jenny Jones, Product Development; Jon Rivers, Technology; Amanda Roberts, Finance; Alison Rogers, Special Events; and Stacy Carpenter, Research.
Board members who no longer serve but who deserve recognition are: Andrea Condit and Eric McLaughlin.
Special thank you to Steven Branson and the Alchemist Lounge for sponsoring and filing our papers, Brian Nations for graphic design, Stephen Caldwell for web development support, Matt Showalter and Swiftpage for continuing to donate our integrated email marketing system, and John Keagan from PressHarbor for his ongoing patience and partnership.
Introducing the Neighbors for Neighbors, JP Organizing Network!
March 8, 2008
Neighbors,
Earlier this year we sent you a survey. Thanks to those of you who took the time to fill it out. The feedback you gave us was tremendously helpful and gave us insight into what you want and value.
Here’s what we’ve extrapolated:
· You want help meeting actual neighbors on your actual streets
· You want smaller, more intimate events in your neighborhood
· You want more activity-based events
· You want to help (and you’re a very talented and nice bunch of people!), and we’re excited that you are willing to help
Some who took the survey left comments. What stood out from the comments is that participating in groups and trying to participate in groups has not always been the best experience. The reasons given were that members never heard back from group leaders, it was hard to find groups on our website, and groups that you may have been interested in did not have any recent activity. On our end, we found it challenging to manage and support the many groups spread out all over the web in Yahoo groups, Google groups, and the like. Our blog also proved challenging as it required more time and support that we could offer. With that said, we come up with what we believe are some great solutions.
Here’s how we’ve responded to your feedback:
We’ve created the Neighbors for Neighbors, JP Organizing Network. On this network you can post your ideas, events, and knowledge to the forums; join or start a group in the groups section, and find out about volunteer opportunities with local non-profits and community groups. All you have to do it create profile and off you go! In the next month or so we hope to incorporate a “Talent Bank” and “JP Wiki” into the network.
COMING SOON ! - Meet your neighbors–on the Jamaica Plain Neighbors Network! This network will help you meet your neighbors. Each street, (and they are still building this out) will have a group where you can meet your neighbors online, discuss happenings on your street, plan face-to-face gatherings such as potlucks, block parties, and yard sales, and get important information from the Police about what is happening on your street and find out what you can do to address crime.
Would you like to gather your the neighbors in your immediate neighborhood? Let us know and we’ll help you find and secure a location, give you templates for fliers, and send an email to all your neighbors to invite them to join you!
What we are no longer doing:
Organizing Expos - While these were a big success they were just too much work for our volunteer-run organization to produce and we think our time is best spent helping you meet your neighbors and do fun stuff with and for them!
Neighbors for Neighbors 2008 Survey Results
March 4, 2008
The Neighbors for Neighbors 2008 Survey was sent to 1,862 people. 107 people responded. Here is the summary of responses. Please leave a comment to share your thoughts and suggested direction. Read more