� Members taking part in the decision making that affects their neighborhoods � Taking an organized approach towards preservation and improvements in their neighborhood � Planning and holding social activities for the neighborhood � Organizing neighborhood improvement projects
THE CITIZEN ’ S ROLE The role of the citizen in the health and vitality of a community cannot be overstated . All citizens bear the responsibility of a collective quality of life . Active participation in your neighborhood is the best way to ensure that the quality of life you expect is realized .
Your involvement can be as small as voting on a regular basis to as large as being elected to serve in a public capacity . Neither of these two examples is better than the other . Both are equally important . The most important thing is that you as a citizen participate in the process .
GOVERNMENT ’ S ROLE The Government ’ s responsibility in relation to neighborhoods is primarily to maintain or improve an area ’ s quality of life . Government also ensures that the common good is protected and that the decisions that affect the public are carried out in an orderly and efficient manner .
ROLE OF COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS Community organizations can be important resources to neighborhoods . These organizations may include the chamber of commerce , school district , social service agencies , civic and fraternal organizations , clubs and religious organizations . Community organizations are potential partners that have a vested interest in seeing your community become strong , just as you do . These organizations have a wealth of resources : human ( professional or volunteer ), fiscal ( funds or in-kind services ) or physical ( buildings or products ), that could be tapped to assist your organization reach its goals .
Neighborhood Organizational Handbook – Arlington , Texas 2