Mission, Vision, and Values

About Neighbors for Neighbors

Mission:

Started by Joseph Porcelli in 2004 to raise crime prevention awareness, Neighbors for Neighbors encourage neighbors to build on the promise of hope and change, and publishes social networks for residents to self around their common interests and passions.

After nearly five years of operation, Neighbors for Neighbors has brought together more than 5,000 residents, has inspired the creation and promoted of over 80 social activity clubs and service projects, and has linked neighbors to over 80 local non-profits.

In total, Neighbors for Neighbors has been responsible for generating thousands and thousands of hours of community engagement and service. All funding come from members, and the annual budget is about $2,000.

"They've [Neighbors for Neighbors] been able to turn what originally was socializing for some explicit goal, like keeping the neighborhood safe, to now just socializing for the sake of getting to know their neighbors," ... "What's unusual in this is that they found a mechanism to keep people involved after the threat has gone." (1) Thomas Sander, Executive Director of Harvard University's Saguaro Seminar: Civic Engagement in America

(1) Samuels, Andrienne. “Mighty Neighborly.” Boston Globe, June 13th, 2006.

Core Values:

Neighbors for Neighbors is:

* Community-driven
* Inclusive
* Collaborative
* Fun
* Innovative

How We Fulfill Our Mission:

We socialize: NFN hosts neighborhood Socials where neighbors connect.

We organize: NFN hosts Community Organizing Expos where neighbors create social groups and community projects with others who share similar interests and passions; engage with local non-profits; and collaborate online at www.neighborsforneighbors.org. All serve as mechanisms that keep neighbors together.

We make a difference: Thousands of people connect at events; over 70 Social Clubs, Community Projects, and Partner Projects engage local, national, and international neighbors together, generate over 5000 hours of engagement, and bring countless volunteers to local organizations and events.

History:

Starting as a class project in the Self Expression Leadership Program at Landmark Education www.landmarkeducation.com in August 2004, Joseph Porcelli set out to educate local residents about a rash of violent assaults and robberies in his neighborhood of Jamaica Plain, MA. 500 fliers were handed out to residents at the Stonybrook T stop informing them of assaults and robberies and educating them about crime prevention.

In response to residents’ interests, a Neighborhood Crime Watch meeting was organized. An unheard-of turnout of 60 residents attended and learned about how to be responsible for their own safety and the safety of the neighborhood. The number one suggestion for crime prevention was to know your neighbors.

Inspired by the turnout from the community and from a suggestion to get to know his neighbors, Porcelli, together with friends and neighbors, set out to create a Neighborhood Social. The first Neighborhood Social event was held on October 26th, 2004 and was attended by 90 residents. At the
March 11, 2009 Community Organizing Expo four years later, 315 residents attended.

"We're successful because we provide safe and accessible entry points for residents to meet and connect with each other, a civic engagement springboard and mechanism to keep neighbors together, and a volunteer pool for local events and organizations. Our community organizing model allows residents turn their ideas and passions into Social Groups and Community Projects," said Joseph Porcelli, founder and organizer of Neighbors for Neighbors.

Last updated by Joseph Porcelli (Chief Neighbor) Mar 26, 2009.

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