As secretary of Doling Neighborhood Association, I get this question quite often. Wikipedia says that a “neighborhood association (NA) is a group of residents or property owners who advocate for or organize activities within a neighborhood.” That is it in a nutshell. Quite often, however, an NA is confused with an HOA (homeowner’s association), which is generally mandatory and requires other homeowners to make certain changes and upkeep to the property. That’s NOT our purpose.
In Springfield we have 16 organized, active, registered neighborhood associations, following geographic designations. Some are smaller than others, and some are pretty big, but in every case, people who live, work, own property, rent, or just care about the area, join the neighborhood association to make a difference. Officers in the NA are volunteers, like everyone else, and it takes many different people, working together, to make a difference in the area and in the culture.
Depending on the NA, and its level of involvement, among other things, NAs in Springfield have
- sponsored events to provide fun and education in the community
- found help for families in crisis
- helped the city to identify areas that are hazardous to us and our neighbors, including dangerous walking or traffic conditions
- helped neighbors who couldn’t maintain their property
- identified problems to public safety, criminal activity or abandoned properties
- worked with the city to make plans for improvements in our neighborhoods and city parks
- supported our local schools and PTAs
- collected food and supplies for the less fortunate
- and the list goes on and on.
People often ask, “What difference can I make? I’m only one person.” While that is true, neighbors working together to make a difference can accomplish quite a bit. Every person has something to contribute, so don’t be shy. You might be able to fold the newsletters, or talk to your neighbors about an event, bring goodies to the meeting, help raise money, lend a helping hand, or just bring ideas to the meeting with a new perspective. You might even want to be a leader at some point!
In most cases, you must be a paid member to vote at a neighborhood meeting, but anyone can attend and speak at meetings. Annual dues differ according to group but are needed to help fund the operation of the NA. Businesses can be members, too, and are encouraged to be a part of the area where they do business.
Are you a member of the Doling neighborhood association? Our annual dues are $12 per household (providing for two votes at any general assembly meeting). Of course, donations are always accepted, and because we are a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization, they are tax deductible.
Join in today in the movement of neighbors making a difference. Whatever your situation—rent or own, working or retired, single or married, whatever—we need you to be a part of helping our neighborhood truly be great.