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 If you are experiencing an emergency, dial 911
NEIGHBORHOOD BLOCK LEADER
Community Improvement Grant Program
Jumpstart your new idea and help to build community on your block,
your street, or in your neighborhood with a Community Improvement Grant.
Grants up to $300 are available for projects that increase communications among
neighbors, improve the physical condition of a neighborhood, or enhance
neighborhood pride and identity.
Download the Community Improvement Grant Brochure
Download the Community Improvement Grant Application Form
Neighborhood Block Leader Program
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.
Introductory Block Leader Training
October 2008
Community Hall, 10350 Torre Ave., Cupertino
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.
About 275 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 at least 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
Block Leader Training Documentation
How to Report the Block Status in an Emergency - June 11 Training
Home Emergency Checklist
Block Leader Orientation - May 2006
Q & A, Block Leader Training - Feb 2006
Block Leader Reference Links
City Map Guide
Block Leader Brochure
Block Leader Binder
Discovering Community Power: A Guide to Mobilizing Local Assets and Your Organization's Capacity (by the ABCD Institute in cooperation with the W.K. Kellogg Foundation)
Know Your Neighbors Card (2007) – Helps you introduce yourself to your two nearest neighbors. In an emergency, completed cards enable neighbors to contact you, your family, or emergency services.
Residents may have to rely heavily on their neighbors for recovery and supplies after a major disaster. These forms help to survey the skills and resources within your neighborhood:
Neighborhood Household Data Survey - 2007
People Equipment Survey - 2007
For more information call 777-3331, or e-mail communityrelations@cupertino.org.
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