Advocacy

Neighborhood associations in Portland have a special relationship with the City. This system gives residents the ability to provide input into what their community looks like--it’s an inside track to elected officials and decision-makers. However, it’s still a lot of work to get neighbors’ voices heard. read more

Communications

Communication is the lifeblood of any organization. Today there is an array of options to get your message out, whether you create a door-to-door campaign or launch a website, some careful planning can help you effectively communicate your message. read more

Websites

Website presence is almost a necessary element these days. To what degree your neighborhood association can achieve is dependent on volunteer capacity. You may be lucky enough to have a neighbor willing to spend hours a month updating a custom designed site or you may need a more simplified site with the basic information. Websites are a great way to reach many neighbors who want to stay informed but on their time. Websites give your neighbors the freedom to read minutes, find out about volunteer opportunities and stay up-to-date from the comfort of their own home.  read more

Newsletter

When starting a newsletter in your neighborhood, recruit volunteers like crazy. You will need a Story Editor, Copy Editor, Designer, Advertising Salesperson, and Distribution Coordinator. You will also need plenty of article writers and delivery people if you hand deliver. read more

Fundraising

Fundraising can be a dynamic element to your organization. Fundraising can take many forms, from sales to direct asking for money to holding events. Fundraising can also help raise awareness about your group or project. read more

Grant Writing

Grantwriting is storytelling. Throughout the entire process your neighborhood should tell a story about who you are, what need will be addressed, and why your neighborhood is the best organization to meet the existing need. Even the budget can tell your story by including categories that match your narrative. If you think of your story before applying for any grants you’ll be well prepared when opportunities arise. read more

Meeting Facilitation

Does your neighborhood have dry, stuffy meetings where the same six people show up all the time? With a little forethought, meetings can be fun, social activities that end on time and get a lot done in the process. read more

Robert's Rules of Order

Robert's Rules of Order is the standard for facilitating discussions and group decision-making. Copies of the rules are available at most bookstores. Although they may seem long and involved, having an agreed upon set of rules makes meetings run easier. Robert's Rules will help your group have better meetings, not make them more difficult. Your group is free to modify them or find another suitable process that encourages fairness and participation, unless your bylaws state otherwise. Download a quick reference guide.

Participation

Trying to recruit new participant and retain the existing ones can be a difficult endeavor. People come to volunteer with different expectations. Some people are only able to volunteer for one event while others jump in headfirst. Have opportunities available for both types of people with clear job descriptions, so it is easy to place people where their interests and skills fit best. Also, if you identify your neighborhood’s goals and objectives you’ll know what jobs to describe. read more

Land Use Planning

Planning is a community tool utilized to direct change. Winston Churchill said “There’s nothing wrong with change, if it is in the right direction.” What would you like your community to be like in 20 years? You can work on creating the community you envision. read more

Sustainability Committees

There are so many great things happening in Portland to make our city the most environmentally sustainable city in the nation. Individuals in every neighborhood are doing their part by taking responsible actions in their daily lives, and there are multiple programs and initiatives at all levels of government and the non-profit sector. Neighborhood associations can play a key role in approaching necessary solutions by acting in a more organized way. read more