Be a Block Coordinator
Here’s What You Need To Know
What does a Block Coordinator do?
How do I pick my Neighborhood?
Your “neighborhood” is wherever you say it is, and it’s as big or small as you want it to be. It can be a few houses, a whole street, or several blocks. The most important thing is for you to feel comfortable with the area you pick. One of the benefits of being a Block Coordinator (BC) is that you’ll wind up with a better sense of where you live and who your neighbors are.
How do I build a Neighborhoood?
Most BCs start by asking nearby friends and acquaintances. When they’re ready, they knock on a few doors near them—which is a great way to get to know neighbors. Of course, for some people canvassing can be a bit scary at first. So, we have information door hangers explaining the project for you to give your neighbors.
Here’s What You Need To Know
What does a Block Coordinator do?
How do I pick my Neighborhood?
Your “neighborhood” is wherever you say it is, and it’s as big or small as you want it to be. It can be a few houses, a whole street, or several blocks. The most important thing is for you to feel comfortable with the area you pick. One of the benefits of being a Block Coordinator (BC) is that you’ll wind up with a better sense of where you live and who your neighbors are.
How do I build a Neighborhoood?
Most BCs start by asking nearby friends and acquaintances. When they’re ready, they knock on a few doors near them—which is a great way to get to know neighbors. Of course, for some people canvassing can be a bit scary at first. So, we have information door hangers explaining the project for you to give your neighbors.
Other Questions
How much food will people donate?
We suggest that Food Donors buy one extra nonperishable food item each week when they go to the supermarket, but it’s really up to them. Some folks will donate a lot, some a little. The amount is not important—as long as they’re participating, the Food Project is a success. Bonus: We’ll supply reminders for you to send your donors, so they remember to leave a bag.
When is Pickup Day?
Our “official” pickup day is the second Wednesday of odd months. (January, March, May, July, September and November), But the project is set up to give you as much freedom as possible. If you’ll be out of town on the official pickup day or do not feel comfortable picking up bags and driving, we have volunteer drivers who will pick up for you. We also plan to share the driving so less cars are making the trip to Carlsbad. We will have a meeting spot where we can fill up a few cars and they will make the trip.
What happens on Pickup Day?
Each Food Donor puts their green food bag out by their garage door. You pick up each bag, leave an empty one and a “Thank-you” card (which we’ll supply), and take the food to our drop-off point. CRC volunteers will be there to receive. When we get a total number of bags donated for the entire pickup, we’ll let you know so you can let your Food Donors know how much of an impact the Food Project, and their work, is having.
How much time does it involve?
Only an hour or two every other a month! You might need to put a little more time in at the beginning, when you’re building your neighborhood. But it’s a surprisingly small time commitment, considering how big a difference you’ll be making.
That’s it. As you meet more neighbors and other BCs, your sense of community will grow, and it will add as much to your life as you will be adding to others’ lives. It’s something to look forward to.
Other Questions
How much food will people donate?
We suggest that Food Donors buy one extra nonperishable food item each week when they go to the supermarket, but it’s really up to them. Some folks will donate a lot, some a little. The amount is not important—as long as they’re participating, the Food Project is a success. Bonus: We’ll supply reminders for you to send your donors, so they remember to leave a bag.
When is Pickup Day?
Our “official” pickup day is the second Wednesday of odd months. (January, March, May, July, September and November), But the project is set up to give you as much freedom as possible. If you’ll be out of town on the official pickup day or do not feel comfortable picking up bags and driving, we have volunteer drivers who will pick up for you. We also plan to share the driving so less cars are making the trip to Carlsbad. We will have a meeting spot where we can fill up a few cars and they will make the trip.
What happens on Pickup Day?
Each Food Donor puts their green food bag out by their garage door. You pick up each bag, leave an empty one and a “Thank-you” card (which we’ll supply), and take the food to our drop-off point. CRC volunteers will be there to receive. When we get a total number of bags donated for the entire pickup, we’ll let you know so you can let your Food Donors know how much of an impact the Food Project, and their work, is having.
How much time does it involve?
Only an hour or two every other a month! You might need to put a little more time in at the beginning, when you’re building your neighborhood. But it’s a surprisingly small time commitment, considering how big a difference you’ll be making.
That’s it. As you meet more neighbors and other BCs, your sense of community will grow, and it will add as much to your life as you will be adding to others’ lives. It’s something to look forward to.