Thank you for participating in National Night Out Boston 2008 and registering your National Night Out event. The following is a list of everything you'll need in order to host fun and safe community building events that strengthen partnerships between the community members, youth, police, city agencies and community-based organizations to  create unity in your community!

TIMELINE:

We're encouraging everyone to host Block Parties from Saturday, July 19, through Sunday, August 3. It is important to start planning your event now. Download the suggested timeline that also contains great event ideas.

PERMITS:

What permits will you need? Fill out this form and mail it to the Mayor’s Office of Consumer Affairs and Licensing, Boston City Hall, Room 817, Boston, MA 02201 or fax it to 617-635-4428.You will be called and invited in for consultation that will determine what permits you'll need. We suggest carefully reviewing the form with your planning committee prior to submitting the permit.  This way you'll know what permits are needed and avoid the frustration of having to deal with last minute details. Applications should be submitted by the second week of July to allow ample time for processing.

PROMOTION:

The best part of the block party is the neighbors. Download the Sample Flyer and Press Release. Flyers should be distributed twice, 20 days before your event and then again 5 days before your event. Three days before the event, call everyone on your phone list and send email reminders for those you have email addresses.

YOUTH:

National Night Out is great to way to engage youth. We've found that the best way to engage youth are to involve them in the planning process and invite them to lead, help and perform at the event. Remember youth enjoy sports, music, talent shows, and will take on leadership roles when given the chance.  Just because youth may dress in certain fashions does not mean they are not approachable or interested in working with you.  If you have any other suggestions we would appreciate hearing from you please.

RESOURCES & DONATIONS:

At your block party you may want to have food, balloons, sodas, ice cream, toys, games and arts and crafts for kids and some form of entertainment. We suggest pooling resources and requesting donations from local businesses and organizations. Click here for a Sample for Request.

STAYING ORGANIZED:

What happens after the event? We're encouraging you to continue building community, deter crime and empower peace all year long. To help you do this we suggest you download our attendance sheet and capture your neighbors’ names, addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses. Then you'll be able to invite nearby neighbors to start Neighborhood Crime Watch Meetings or revitalize a Neighborhood Crime Watch group on their street. For help starting or revitalizing your Neighborhood Crime Watch give us a call at (617) 343-4345.   

EMPOWER NEIGHBORING STREETS:

Remember positive activity displaces negative activity on your streets and sometimes onto your neighbor's streets.  Your neighboring streets will benefit by organizing to deter crime and empower peace. Invite them to participate and contribute to your event and tell them about the Neighborhood Crime Watch program and how it has made a difference on your street.