This is part seven of a series of articles about Neighborhood Watch programs.
The key to a successful Watch and community mobilization is to motivate and unite individuals, businesses, schools, churches, civic organizations and associations and government leaders to reduce crime and improve the community. Below are ways to gain the support and enthusiasm of members and remain mobilized beyond single problems and projects.
LISTEN
Listen to what members are really saying to discover what concerns they have and what would motivate them to take action. By listening to individuals and recognizing that different factors will motivate them to participate, goals may be created that they believe in and support.
ENCOURAGE COMMUNICATION
Look for common concerns you and your neighbors share, and then get together to figure out how to solve them. Unite on important, shared concerns and remind each other why a set goal is meaningful and how it will improve the quality of life for neighbors.
EXCHANGE FEAR FOR FACT
Learn the facts about issues, and base strategies and actions on those facts. Motivate residents by reminding them of community issues that, if ignored, will be more difficult to solve later.
HAVE A STRATEGY
Individuals are more likely to be motivated to action if there are meaningful, realizable goals in which they have an interest in seeing achieved. Develop a strategy that finds a away to utilize each member’s skills and talents.
PROVIDE TRAINING
Use training to educate members in crime prevention and community issues. Training serves to keep members motivated to learn and grow as a group, and should be based on the interests and concerns they have for their area.
RECOGNIZE SUCCESS
Success is a great motivator and mobilizer. Celebrate success by recognizing everyone who played a role in making it happen, then market the success throughout your community.
Final installment next week!
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Neighborhood Watch Article Series
- Part One: “What is a Neighborhood Watch?”
- Part Two: “A Neighborhood Watch is Not…”
- Part Three: “Organizing a Neighborhood Watch”
- Part Four: “The Neighborhood Watch Meeting”
- Part Five: “The Role of Neighborhood Watch Members”
- Part Six: “Neighborhood Watch: Solving Problems”
- Part Seven: “What Motivates Neighborhood Watch Members”
- Part Eight: “How Neighborhood Watches Grow”
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The Cleveland Police Foundation, in partnership with the Cleveland Division of Police and the Ohio Crime Prevention Association present these tips so citizens can help to make our community safer.