National Night Out — 25 years of building community
08/01/2008
On Tuesday, August 5, join your neighbors and ‘Join the Celebration’ at the 25th Annual Minneapolis National Night Out (NNO). It’s a perfect way to have fun and build a stronger, safer community. NNO provides the opportunity to take a little time out, relax, break the trend toward isolation and break bread with those who live closest to us.
For 25 years on the first Tuesday in August, neighbors in Minneapolis and throughout the country have come out of their houses, often closed off their streets, set up tables and chairs and shared potluck, conversation, games, music and more. What started in a small way to create safer neighborhoods has grown to the point where in Minneapolis alone it’s expected that there will be more than 1,000 block parties and more than 60,000 neighbors joining in the effort. Across the nation, 35 million people in 10,000+ cities will also celebrate safety and community that same night.
Also, this year will be the second year National Night Out and United Way have joined forces to help replenish local food shelves. So remember to bring extra food to contribute. Keep it simple: bring peanut butter and jelly and/or soup and cereal, something nutritious for people in need. At your party, assign someone to gather the food and take it to the food shelf the next day.
To find a party near you, check out www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/nno or call 311. The website offers many ideas for parties of all sizes and a variety of fun activities, giveaways and good information about community-building and crime prevention.