How do I create a neighborhood network?

As a neighborhood steward, you take on the responsibility of reaching out to your neighbors, checking in on what needs are arising on your block, coordinating a neighborhood group chat or phone tree, and staying in touch with the point people from other neighborhoods for resource pooling. We are trying to cultivate many neighborhood networks across Tompkins County. 

Starting your group

Identify existing leaders in your neighborhood and consult with them about your idea to organize. Use their input and experience to inform your approach to outreach, and create a plan to partner with them in an on-going way.

Pick a fun name for your group, and determine what contact method will be easiest for you to maintain and that may fit the demographics of your neighborhood (ie: phone tree, email list, text thread, WhatsApp group, or…). Personalize and distribute copies of the following outreach sheet to your neighbors. Start with around 30 fliers and the houses/apartments right around where you live.

Remember, we are operating in a global pandemic so take care leaving when interacting. Be safe about this. Read more about safe distribution here.

  • It is illegal to put things in other people’s mailboxes:try the crack of their door, between screen door and main door, etc.

  • Consider leaving off specific personal details such as your exact address.

Once you decide to start a group, let us know! We will add you to the google map so your neighbors can find you. Email contact@mutualaidtompkins.com with your location info.

Building your group

As neighbors confirm they want to take part after receiving your flyer, add them to the group communication.

Stay in touch with folks. Use the conversation guide below to get a sense of what support needs may come up in your network. Share wider-community resources. Expect to do some problem solving as needed (ie: helping folks download and set up Whatsapp if you choose to use it, answering questions, and asking neighbors to help bring more people in). 

Neighborhood networks between 5 and 30 people are most sustainable for one steward. If there are more than 30 neighbors interested, figure out how to split up into two groups. Asking a neighbor who has been actively engaged since you started the group, or someone who had immediate needs met through MAT who may want to give back through service. Getting in touch with the network of other neighborhood stewards may help with this, too.

Connecting to other neighborhoods

If you know other people who want to be stewards in their neighborhood, please have them fill out this form or contact one of the neighborhood steward coordinators: contact@mutualaidtompkins.com

Conversation Guide

These questions are a guide for you to get to know your neighbors and their needs. We encourage that you have this conversation over the phone once you have exchanged info rather than in person to minimize disease spread.

  1. Hi neighbor! We may know each other well -- or we may be meeting for the first time. If this is the first time: Tell me a little about your life. What is your living situation like? Do you have pets? What are your days like? 

  2. What are you concerned about right now in regard to COVID-19? Your health or your family’s? Losing work or childcare? Being confined to your home? What do you think this may mean for you? 

  3. Who are the main people in your life who you contact about your well-being? How do you contact them (by phone, on facebook), and would you be open to sharing their contact info with me in case of emergency? Who else lives with you, and how can we best contact them if need be?

  4. What resources, skills, interests, knowledge do you hold that you would be open to sharing with the block? 

  5. What do you think is important to share with me and others about your health? Dietary restrictions? Where do you pick up prescriptions? Which clinic do you go to?

Want to chat about starting your group? 

  • Contact neighborhood steward coordinators to connect, ask questions about working in your neighborhood, and to join the neighborhood stewards Slack channel: contact@mutualaidtompkins.com