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Montclair Organized Neighborhoods (MONs)

Organized Neighborhoods are the foundation for approaching all safety and improvement issues in MSIC's Areas of Focus. Neighborhoods may get organized because they are concerned about preparing for an earthquake or other natural disaster, or they may organize to address crime or traffic issues on their street. Some organize to improve the looks of the neighborhood, and some just to socialize and be good neighbors.

Recognizing that organized neighborhoods in the greater Montclair area are the best way to address issues of local concern, MSIC is working actively with community leaders and organizations such as the Piedmont Pines Neighborhood Association and Shepherd Canyon Homeowners Association to motivate, support and recognize these Montclair Organized Neighborhoods (MONs). Through community meetings, special interest networking, local training and recognition events, MSIC is working to help develop and sustain 100% organized neighborhoods in our area.

A useful Montclair Organized Neighborhood Leader's Guide (requires Adobe Acrobat Reader, a free download) has been created by our own Robbie Neely. This Guide describes five basic steps to take to organize a new neighborhood group, gives tips for maintaining a group, information on CORE (Citizens of Oakland Respond to Emergencies) training, and provides information on the specific duties of a MON Leader. It is a work in progress, so anyone having suggestions for its improvement should let Robbie know.

At this time there are over 50 organized neighborhoods (MONs) that are established or in the process of being created. Our goal is to have all of our residents be a part of a formal MON. Emergency preparedness may be the topic of concern to rally your neighbors around, or crime prevention or any other issues of interest. All it takes is a neighbor or two to help get the ball rolling, then involve as many other neighbors as possible, have a meeting to discuss the process, and move forward from there. At the very least, creating a Montclair Organized Neighborhood is a great way for all neighbors to get to know each other and to work together to make a better neighborhood and community.

A map of current, established MON's is available here. If you are part of a MON that is not represented on this map, please contact us to be added.

Please visit any of these areas of focus links to the left that are of interest or concern to you. The best way to begin to address these issues is to establish and work with your MON on local neighborhood matters, and to work with the MSIC and other MONs and related groups on topics that affect the entire community. The MSIC is here to help you address important issues within these and any other areas of focus--please don't hesitate to contact us for more information on how we can be of assistance.

The MSIC has identified documents and Web sites that contain useful guides and tips around organized neighborhoods and these areas of focus. If you have any requests for additional information, please let us know.

For more information on how you can begin to organize your neighborhood, please contact the MSIC MONs Team chair. MSIC representatives can come to your neighborhood meetings to present their ideas and tips for success. We are here to help you in any way possible, so that you can be better able to be an effective organized neighborhood. It's all about neighbors helping neighbors!