Neighborhood groups are born in many ways. As a reaction to crime or sudden change, a desire to beautify the physical environment, a need to connect with those living nearby, or to prepare for earthquakes and other disasters. How do these groups evolve from one shared goal into sustainable organizations that achieve real benefits for their members? Three neighborhood activists share their experiences and challenges in Oakland, El Cerrito, Berkeley and Richmond in a journey to build stronger neighborhood organizations using both Internet and front stoop strategies.
2. Janie Holland
Community Building and Organizing Director,
Community Housing Development Corporation
President of Santa Fe Neighborhood Council
Richmond Neighborhood Coordinating Council,
Executive Board
3. Mollie Hazen
Coordination and community outreach for a variety
of organizations in the SF Bay Area for 20 years
Co-Chair and Neighborhood Watch Coordinator, El
Cerrito Crime Prevention Committee
4. Gail Jara
Host and organizer of the First Wednesday
Tradition, which brings neighbors together for
food and fellowship in an Oakland community
Editor, PANIL Notes, neighborhood newsletter for
Piedmont Ave Neighborhood Improvement
League
5. Kristin Leimkuhler
Active in organizing neighborhood groups in
Richmond and Berkeley
Moderator of online community
Founder of PlanBerkeley.org