Building a Stronger Community with a City Membership Campaign (Part 1)

 

In the past, American cities were more than just places to live; they were communities where residents felt a deep sense of belonging. However, as cities became more focused on service delivery and measurable outcomes, the idea of civic membership declined. The City Membership Campaign aims to restore this sense of belonging by encouraging residents to engage with their neighborhoods, local organizations, and city governance. 

This initiative (from Sam Pressler and Pete Davis) fosters a culture where people feel responsible for the well-being of their communities, leading to stronger connections, better local services, and increased civic participation.

The Role of Neighborhoods

Neighborhoods are at the heart of city membership efforts. Strong neighborhoods create strong cities, as they serve as the foundation for civic engagement and community building. The campaign envisions neighborhoods as hubs for local activities, mutual support, and communication between residents and the city government. To achieve this, cities can support the creation of microspaces, such as small parks and community gardens, that bring people together. They can also provide microgrants for neighborhood events like block parties and improvement projects. Additionally, cities can establish neighborhood leadership roles, such as block captains or advisory groups, to coordinate efforts and ensure residents' voices are heard in decision-making processes.

Three Starting Steps

To launch a successful city membership campaign, cities can begin with three key actions:

  1. Establish a Membership Committee and Director – A Membership Director would lead the initiative, working alongside a Membership Committee made up of local leaders, city officials, and community members. This team would be responsible for creating and implementing strategies to strengthen civic engagement. They would also build relationships with neighborhood groups and ensure that residents have a role in shaping their communities.

  2. Conduct a Civic Census and Create a Civic Directory – A civic census would identify all the formal and informal groups in the city, from nonprofits to local clubs. This information would then be compiled into a civic directory, a resource for residents to find ways to get involved. Making this directory widely available would help people discover opportunities to participate in community life.

  3. Expand Public Meeting Spaces and Implement a Reservation System – Many community groups struggle to find places to gather. Cities can address this by opening up public buildings, such as schools and libraries, for community use. A unified reservation system would make it easy for residents to book these spaces, ensuring that civic activities have the necessary support.

By taking these steps, cities can move toward a more engaged and connected future, where every resident feels like a valued member of their community.

See City Membership blog post #2 online.

See City Membership blog post #3 online


Written by David L. Burton

MORE INFORMATION

Take the Engaged Neighbor pledge and become part of a movement! The pledge outlines five categories and 20 principles to guide you toward becoming an engaged neighbor. Sign the pledge at https://nomoregoodneighbors.com. Individuals who take the pledge do get special invitations to future events online and in person. Contact the blog author, David L. Burton via email at dburton541@yahoo.com or visit his website at http://engagedneighbor.com.

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