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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!
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