National Night Out - Night to Unite - Have a Block Party

Each year, our Association uses the "Night to Unite" as an occasion to hold a block party. This used to be "The National Night Out", and that still works in some areas.

It is always the 2nd Tuesday in August. There was some dispute about the use of the NNO logo, so the Night to Unite was started as an additional effort here in MN. The purpose is basically for you to get to know your neighbors.

It started as an anti-crime effort - turns out that people who know each other are much more likely to intervene when they suspect something is not as it should be. It also turns out that people who know each other are much better neighbors!  Amazing, isn't it! I was much more comfortable approaching the door of my neighbor at 11:00 at night, to ask their daughter to turn down the music - because I knew them, and she knew me.

And it is painfully easy to do. When we lived in a single family neighborhood, we just put together a little flyer for our block, and invited everyone to a pot luck that evening.  In our Association, we use our email distribution list to invite everyone.

The logistics are simple. Designate an area. We have a large grassy one in a convenient spot. We used to use the end of the cul de sac. We get a few people near there to bring their grills over. We ask a few more people to bring some tables to set food up on. Everyone brings something to eat and drink, something to share, and a chair!  Done deal.

Even with all of this, I have one neighbor about 4 doors up that I have never even SEEN. She works some odd hours.  I plan to remedy that this year!

Try it. You can do it. Next year, if you plan ahead a bit, you can post a notice with the city, and they will have police and fire and the like come by. Have a few extra hot dogs! I have never seen them turn one down. Better than donuts!

With a little more effort, you can organize a water balloon toss, a 3 legged race, a fishing pond for little kids, etc. Our neighborhood tends to be older folk - sitting and talking is our primary entertainment.

Don't just sit there - DO IT. Everyone will thank you.