Neighborhood Block Leader

If you are experiencing an emergency, dial 911

Personal Emergency Preparedness for Cupertino Neighborhood Leaders
Sept.1, 6-9:30 p.m., Community Hall. RSVP: 408.777.3331

Building Community, One Block at a Time
Good neighborhoods are those where neighbors work together on common issues and look out for each other. Block leaders take extra steps to connect neighbors and build community - making our neighborhoods safer, more harmonious places to live.  

The Block Leader Program teaches residents how to get to know their neighbors and how to organize activities so neighbors can more easily communicate. Block leaders are vital links between City Hall and the neighborhoods - and leaders gain the inside track on neighborhood development and activities.

The City supports block leaders with the following:

• Coordinates training sessions and acquaints new leaders with experienced block leaders. New leaders receive binders and CDs that contain information on how to get started, steps to organizing a neighborhood gathering, cultural communication tips, and samples of neighborhood fliers.
• Offers Community Improvement grants to block leaders for projects that bring neighborhood together.
• Connects the City and the neighborhoods so that residents have easy access to the City and the City can provide pertinent information to neighbors.:
• Photocopies neighborhood forms, letters, and fliers.
• Connects block leaders with peers who speak other languages

Block leaders meet twice a year for program updates, communication and safety training, and opportunities to exchange neighborhood organization tips. Nearly 350 residents participate as Cupertino block leaders.


Commitment and Challenge
Block leaders typically organize 20 to 30 homes depending on the neighborhood layout and leader’s time. Some leaders are in touch with as few as five homes (such as those in a cul-de-sac), while other leaders coordinate up to 90 homes. Co-leaders are strongly encouraged.

The City challenges block leaders to gather their neighbors twice a year. Here are examples of what block leaders can do:

• Develop and share rosters
• Organize block parties
• Organize Neighborhood Watch
• Organize emergency response capabilities
• Relay neighborhood concerns to City
• Provide City information to neighbors
  

For more information call 777-3331, or e-mail communityrelations@cupertino.org.