FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions:

How long does neighborhood revitalization take?

Disinvested neighborhoods didn’t become what they are overnight, and change won’t happen quickly either. Complex factors like systemic injustices, damaging narratives, and dilapidated physical environments all contribute to the need for revitalization.

That’s why we recommend Neighborhood-Based Organizations commit to leading a Love Your Neighborhood initiative for at least ten years. While the overall commitment is at least ten years, the Love Your Neighborhood framework is divided into phases of two years each to reach tangible milestones together.

Transformation happens at the speed of relationships, and it takes time to build trust. But the fun is in the process itself! So in a very real sense, neighborhood revitalization begins with the first conversation with a neighbor. Enjoy the journey!

How many people do I need?

One person who is committed and invested has the potential to create great change in any community. However, the old saying, “If you want to go fast, go by yourself. If you want to go far, go with others,” definitely applies to neighborhood revitalization. 

The more residents engaged and participating the better!

We recommend having a small leadership team of residents to make decisions and continuously provide voice to the initiative. We also recommend at least one dedicated staff person working with the Neighborhood-Based Organization to provide consistency and keep the work moving forward over long periods of time.

What does it take to lead a Love Your Neighborhood initiative?

The core of this work involves meeting neighbors and building relationships. But a few other characteristics are important to leading a Love Your Neighborhood initiative:

  • Posture of humility
  • Willingness to learn and adapt
  • Determination and resilience
  • Long-term commitment

 

Asset-Based Community Development is an evidence-based and proven practice. Based on that approach, the basic ingredients of a successful initiative are identifying local assets and making connections between residents and assets. Leading an initiative requires an “activator” – a person or organization who initiates these connections.

Do I need to be faith-based to participate?

The Love Your Neighborhood framework and approach to neighborhood revitalization is technically “faith-neutral.” 

Community One, the organization developing the Love Your Neighborhood, is a Christian organization. We believe that everyone should bring their full selves to the community change process, and for us that includes the Christian faith which serves as a foundation and motivation for loving our neighbors and creating communities of belonging where every person can flourish. 

Many of our resources and coaching materials will be rooted in the Way of Jesus. However, we believe anyone would feel comfortable using the logic model and tools in the toolkit regardless of personal faith expression.

Have other questions?

Do you have questions about Neighborhood Revitalization or Love Your Neighborhood? Contact us!