PRACTICE
ORGANIZING
Convening people towards a common vision and practical outcomes
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world: indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
– Margaret Mead
WHY ORGANIZING?
Communities thrive when people are actively engaged in making them better.
There are so many types of organizing — block clubs, nonprofit organizations, rotary clubs, civic leagues, faith communities, and more — and each share the principle of uniting “people who care to act” together towards sharing vision and goals.
Everyone has a role to play in the wellbeing of their neighborhood.
You have a role to play! How will you join the work of organizing for the good of your community? How can you further the efforts of others, and/or convene new tables that seek the peace of your block and neighborhood?
GET STARTED
Before you try to start something, take the time to humbly observe what already exists in your community. There is no need to reinvent the wheel, and you could be a great support to others who have already been organizing.
Consider: How are you taking time to observe and listen in your community?
“The first duty of love is to listen.”
– Paul Tillich
It is important to build relationships and trust in your community before you start organizing something. One of the best ways to grow collaborative connections is to show up faithfully to what already exists! While you may not fully align with other organizers or groups, it is crucial that you learn and build trust in the community.
Consider: In what local spaces are you ‘showing up’?
“Showing up is essential. Showing up consistently is powerful. Showing up consistently with a positive outlook is even more powerful.”
– Jeff Olson
What do you care enough about to take action on? What is the vision that you need to pursue that if you don’t you won’t be content? Define this vision, write it down, make it plain. This vision should guide you and will help you decide where to spend your time, and where not to.
Consider: What is the next small thing you can do to pursue this vision?
“Vision without action is merely a dream. Action without vision just passes the time. Vision with action can change the world.”
– Joel Barker
Who else shares the vision that you have? Surely there are many others! How can you discover and connect other people who care enough to act about the same thing you care enough to act on? Convening people requires intentionality, communications, and follow-through. Take practical steps to host conversations and meetings with others who share your vision.
Consider: When and where will you gather with people who share your vision?
“The first step in convening people meaningfully: committing to a bold, sharp purpose.”
– Priya Parker
It is one thing to organize an event or meeting—it is another thing to organize a movement. When you convene, set practical and achievable goals, and determine sustainable rhythms for the group. Excitement will fizzle out if you don’t have consistency and bigger goals will not be achieved if you don’t have longevity with the group you have organized.
Consider: What is a realistic and sustainable commitment that you can make towards your goals?
“There is no power for change greater than a community discovering what it cares about.”
– Margaret J. Wheatley
WORKSHOPS
ORGANIZING RESOURCES
This resource will help you build a team and think through all the elements needed for your project.
The purpose of the Night Walks is to touch and transform lives for Christ to the Glory of God through witnessing, evangelism, and discipleship.
A block club is the backbone of an organized neighborhood
Block Clubs are one of the pillars of safe and healthy communities. That is why we’re doing all we can to support leaders starting new block clubs and block club presidents that need help reinvigorating their block.
Low-status neighborhoods in the US are often stuck between stagnating assistance from the government and gentrification at the hands of real estate developers.
“Asset Based Community Development” or ABCD looks for, and starts from people’s gifts and strengths (assets)
The way you frame an issue determines who can embrace your cause.
NEIGHBORING RESOURCES
| Image | Title | Type | Author | Summary | Link | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Connected Community | Book | Cormac Russell, John McKnight | Discovering the Health, Wealth, and Power of Neighborhoods | ||
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| Neighborhood Project Planner | Document | Community Works | This resource will help you build a team and think through all the elements needed for your project. | ||
| Neighborhood Mapping | Book | John Fuder | How to Make Your Church Invaluable to the Community | ||
| The Art of Neighboring | Book | Jay Pathak, Dave Runyon | Building Genuine Relationships Right Outside Your Door | ||
| Church Forsaken | Book | Jonathan Brooks | Practicing Presence in Neglected Neighborhoods | ||
| Neighborhood Mapping: Appendices | Book | John Fuder | Survey examples and best practices for listening to and learning from your community | ||
| Who Is My Neighbor? | Book | Wayne Gordon | Lessons Learned From a Man Left for Dead | ||
| The New Parish | Book | Paul Sparks, Dwight J. Friesen, Tim Soerens | How Neighborhood Churches Are Transforming Mission, Discipleship and Community | ||
| The Abundant Community | Book | John McKnight, Peter Block | Awakening the Power of Families and Neighborhoods | ||
| The Neighboring Movement | Podcast | The Neighboring Movement | The Neighboring Movement Podcast shares stories, interviews, and resources about the power and importance of neighboring. It is hosted by the staff team at The Neighboring Movement. | ||
| The political power of being a good neighbor | Video | TED, Michael Tubbs | Michael Tubbs is the youngest mayor in American history to represent a city with more than 100,000 people — and his policies are sparking national conversations. | ||
| The Rise, Fall, and Power of Block Parties, Explained | Video | Strong Towns | A block party is more than just a party. Bottom-up actions, like block parties, can transform your community. | ||
| Faith Communities Can Help Build Vibrant Neighborhoods | Article | Strong Towns, Jennifer Griffin | Communities of faith stand in an important position to support vibrant, walkable, mixed-use neighborhoods. And in recent years, some have stepped up to the challenge at a variety of different scales. | ||
| Start With Hello | Book | Shannan Martin | You want more. You want to belong to a community that looks out for each … |
SPOTLIGHTED ORGS
Check out and learn more from these organizations: