Trailside Point Block Watch

Monday, June 4, 2007

Trailside Point Block Watch Update – Two Important Meetings

Meeting #1
Wednesday, June 6, 7pm @ Trailside Point Elementary Library
Content: Interested Volunteers Q&A Discussion

Meeting #2
Thursday, June 14, 7pm @ Trailside Point Elementary Cafeteria
Content: Block Watch Organization & Introduction
ALL RESIDENTS STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND


Reason for these meetings

A preliminary group of interested residents for the Trailside Point Block Watch (TPBW) borne out of the March 29 meeting gathered on April 26 and May 23 to further organize our community’s block watch efforts.

These productive meetings consisted of discussions about the numerous issues currently affecting the quality of life in our community, including graffiti, vandalism and theft. Included in these discussions was a strategy for establishing a clear framework of its function and objectives. This will equip TPBW to maximize its efficiency in dealing with those quality-of-life neighborhood issues.

First, the preliminary group agreed that TPBW should have officers to govern its activities – a (1) president, (2) vice-president, (3) secretary, and (4) treasurer.

Second, since the success of any neighborhood group lies both with the quality and the quantity of its volunteers, four committees will be formed to handle the many diverse duties involved:
• Activities– this committee would be responsible for organizing community activities such as picnics, fundraisers and neighborhood cleanups
• Phoenix Neighborhood Patrol and Graffiti Busters – these members will work closely with the Phoenix Police Department to patrol our community and report any suspicious activity and help clean up graffiti.
• HOA Liaison – this committee would be TPBW’s link to City Property Management, working with our property manager regarding community issues and concerns such as blighted and unkempt properties
• Communication/Information – this committee is in charge of maintaining the TPBW official Website at trailsideblockwatch.org and for the development of and organizing distribution of any communications (flyer's, etc.).

And third, the group recommended that there be Block Representatives who will oversee the block watch efforts on a smaller scale within each individual neighborhood. The Block Representatives will be critical to the overall success of the TPBW as they will be the eyes and ears of their particular street in the community. Since Trailside Point is a large community, many Block Representatives will be needed.


Content of Meetings

The meeting on June 6 is centered on gathering as many potential volunteers as possible, discussing the various volunteer needs, and making a rough outline in terms of the overall organization of the Block Watch. Up to now the block watch efforts have been performed by a preliminary group of residents who initially stepped up to volunteer. The preliminary group is just that though, preliminary, so no official titles exist. Although these group members intend to continue their volunteer efforts, they can’t do it alone. The preliminary group will transition away from organizing the block watch efforts as potential volunteers like you step up to (1) Lead TPBW as an elected official, (2) be on the Committees and (3) be Block Representatives. The need is great and so far few have volunteered! So, please come to the meeting on June 6 prepared to discuss what volunteer position you might be interested in.

The meeting on June 14 will be to roll out the organizational plan that will have been crafted, and introduce the volunteers who will have been identified during the meeting the week before (June 6), and to elect the four officers. We will also discuss important issues regarding community safety; the main reason for the Block Watch’s existence.

More information can be obtained by e-mailing trailsidepointblockwatch@hotmail.com or by checking the Website at trailsideblockwatch.org. It is understood that many folks are busy and cannot volunteer, but this is still their community, so ALL RESIDENTS, regardless of their ability to commit to volunteering are extremely encouraged to attend the meeting on June 14, 7pm at Trailside Point Elementary!

Thank you!