Growing Membership and Additional Resources

Wide boulevard with trees running down the middle separating lanes.

Expanding and Maintaining Membership

Helpful Hints

Keeping the interest and involvement of neighbors in an association is an ongoing challenge in every neighborhood.

Here are some pointers and ideas that hopefully will stimulate other ideas:

  • Be realistic in your expectation of the members. Many neighbors have other priorities that may limit participation.
  • Stay focused on a few well-defined goals or projects. Identify individual and/or committee responsibilities.
  • Celebrate each success, even if it means doing it one step at a time.
  • Ask specific neighbors for help or their involvement. Sometimes all it takes is asking a neighbor to do something. They may be willing if asked but may not volunteer or speak up when an “all call” for help is issued.
  • Find out what is important to your members and try to get them involved in committees or projects involving their interest.
  • Make sure to welcome new neighbors. Many communities have a welcoming committee that visits or calls each new resident.
  • Organize a social function by delegating the event to a special committee. Sponsor cleanup days. Take one street at a time so that the work is manageable and can be accomplished in a reasonable time.
  • Create a telephone chain, social media site, email list or other communication system that makes it possible for the association to keep the membership informed.
  • Recognize volunteers. Thank a specific person or persons at a general meeting, acknowledge someone’s efforts in your neighborhood association newsletter or website or prepare a meal or dessert for the volunteer neighbor.

Additional Resources

Clearwater Neighborhoods Coalition

The Clearwater Neighborhoods Coalition is an organization made up of Clearwater neighborhood, civic and homeowner associations serving to achieve its goals through public programs including community forums, public education events and initiatives and opportunities for citizens to work together to promote quality of life, safety, sustainability. Learn more about the Clearwater Neighborhoods Coalition by visiting ClearwaterNeighborhoods.org.

Clearwater Citizens Academy
citizens academy graduates

Clearwater Citizens Academy is a hands-on program designed for residents eager to make a positive impact on their community. This interactive experience offers a behind-the-scenes look at the operations of Clearwater city government, including engaging with elected officials, department directors, and other city staff. Throughout the 10-session program, participants have the chance to tour facilities, try hands-on activities, ask questions and share their concerns about their neighborhood. With opportunities to visit the police K9 unit, fire stations, solid waste and recycling facilities, and more, participants gain a comprehensive understanding of what it takes to run Clearwater.

What We Do

Each night, participants visit a different location that relates to a different aspect of government. The schedule may vary based on the topic, but in general, the group tours the facility, eats dinner during the presentation, does interactive educational activities and participate in an open question-and-answer period at the end.

When We Meet

The program runs from September to November, with 10 Tuesday evening sessions from 6-8:30 PM. Participants must attend at least 8 of the 10 sessions to graduate. The program is free of charge.

Applications are accepted the late spring. Please note that there are a large number of applicants for Citizens Academy. You are more likely to be accepted if you fill out the application completely.

Program History

Clearwater Citizens Academy began Sept. 14, 2002, with a picnic held at Moccasin Lake Nature Park. Recognizing that residents are the city’s most important assets, officials designed the program to help residents become more actively involved in local government.

Learn More

Adopt-a-Park, Street or Trail
park at a neighborhood

Through the Adopt program, the Clearwater Parks & Recreation Department partners with volunteer groups to help keep our city parks safe, clean, and beautiful. Any community organization, group, family, or individual that wants to make a difference in their community can participate in the Adopt-a-Park program. We welcome businesses, churches, schools, neighborhood associations, civic groups, clubs and other organizations.

Benefits of the Program

  • An Adopt recognition sign with your group’s name on your adopted space
  • Highlighted on the Adopt website page
  • Recognition on the City’s social media pages following your clean up
  • Keeping Clearwater spaces bright, beautiful, and safe in a highly visible and positive way
  • Volunteer appreciation recognition events

Requirements

  • Two-year adoption period
  • Two cleanups each year (most groups host quarterly or monthly clean-ups)
  • Follow all programs procedures and safety guidelines
  • Place trash bags under the Adopt sign (Trail and Street Adopt programs only)
  • Fill out the after clean-up volunteer report with number of volunteers, hours worked, bags of litter and/or recyclables collected

Learn How to Adopt

 City Contact

Neighborhoods@myclearwater.com

(727) 562-4559

The city values neighborhood groups as trusted partners in community development and outreach. Reach out if you need assistance with:

  • Starting a new neighborhood group
  • Connecting with city departments or speakers for your meetings
  • Identifying available grants and programs
  • Providing templates for agendas, bylaws and flyers

Related Pages

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