Neighbors for Neighbors, Inc. Archive Blog

Neighbors for Neighbors 2008 Survey Results

Joseph Porcelli — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 15:08:25 +0000

The Neighbors for Neighbors 2008 Survey was sent to 1,862 people. 107 people responded. Here is the summary of responses. Please leave a comment to share your thoughts and suggested direction.

Overall, how would you describe your experience with NFN?
31 (28%)	Excellent
62 (57%)	Good
13 (12%)	Fair
1 (0%)	Poor

In the future I would like Neighbors for Neighbors to do the following: (Check all that apply.)
57 (53%)	Help me meet my actual neighbors on my actual street
55 (51%)	Smaller, more intimate events in my neighborhood
34 (31%)	Larger gatherings so I can meet more people
57 (53%)	More activity-based events
22 (20%)	More about safety and crime
1 (0%)	Publish the blog and newsletter ONLY
33 (30%)	Earlier notification of activities and events
22 (20%)	More spontaneous activities/events
24 (22%)	Promote political/voter participation
30 (28%)	Better representation of the community

Tell us how you have been involved. (Check all that apply.)
82 (76%)	Attended events
9 (8%)	Created a social group or community project
39 (36%)	Participated in a social group or community project
21 (19%)	Volunteered at an event
14 (13%)	Helped distribute fliers for an event
38 (35%)	Visit the website regularly
81 (75%)	Read the newsletter
31 (28%)	Signed up for the newsletter because I am curious
8 (7%)	Exhibited my non-profit or community group at an Expo
21 (19%)	Took advantage of the deal at Mike’s Fitness

I would be willing to help out by:
9 (8%)	Serving on a board committee
27 (25%)	Lending my professional expertise
18 (16%)	Posting fliers on my street
12 (11%)	Posting fliers at T stations
33 (30%)	Sorry, I am too busy with work or school
24 (22%)	I am volunteering elsewhere
2 (1%)	NFN was helpful when I first moved here, but now that I am settled I don’t feel the need to be involved anymore
11 (10%)	I prefer to just give my $10
1 (0%)	Thanks, but I just gave $10 to get my Mike’s Fitness discount
1 (0%)	No longer interested

What do you like MOST about Neighbors for Neighbors events? (Check all that apply.)
72 (67%)	Meeting my neighbors
8 (7%)	Starting a group
28 (26%)	Getting involved with a group
22 (20%)	Volunteer opportunities
3 (2%)	I can get a date
30 (28%)	Free appetizers!
33 (30%)	Name tags help me remember peoples’ names
72 (67%)	Events are in my neighborhood (Easy to get there)
46 (42%)	Safe way to make new friends
4 (3%)	Other (Please tell us your ideas in the feedback section at the end of the survey.)

What do you like LEAST about Neighbors for Neighbors events? (Check all that apply.)
12 (11%)	Too crowded / long lines
10 (9%)	Too noisy
14 (13%)	Hard to meet people
20 (18%)	Lack of follow-up after event
4 (3%)	Not enough food
25 (23%)	Frequently held on a night I can’t make
8 (7%)	Other (Please tell us your ideas in the feedback section at the end of the survey.)

Tell us what you like MOST about Neighbors for Neighbors Social Groups and Community Projects. (Check all that apply.)
38 (35%)	They are fun
32 (29%)	It’s a way to make a difference
47 (43%)	Getting to know other people
28 (26%)	It’s a nice break from my job/school/work/family
38 (35%)	Interesting projects that make a difference in my community
39 (36%)	Finding people with similar interests
7 (6%)	I just moved here and want to get involved
0 (0%)	Other (Please tell us your ideas in the feedback section at the end of the survey.)

Tell us what you like LEAST about Neighbors for Neighbors Social Groups and Community Projects. (Check all that apply.)
10 (9%)	Signed up but did not hear back from anyone at NFN
13 (12%)	Hard to get people together
6 (5%)	Not enough members
1 (0%)	Not enough support from Neighbors for Neighbors
4 (3%)	Too political
0 (0%)	I did not like the people in my group and/or the leader
0 (0%)	Took up too much time
16 (14%)	I got busy at work or with school
3 (2%)	It was a seasonal or one-time group and I wanted it to continue
6 (5%)	Other (Please tell us your ideas in the feedback section at the end of the survey.)

How do you use our website, www.neighborsforneighors.org? (Check all that apply.)
60 (56%)	Find out what’s happening, events and activities
3 (2%)	Subscribe to the RSS feed
7 (6%)	Promote my organization or group
19 (17%)	Visit website only
2 (1%)	Created a reader account and get notifications when new articles are posted
11 (10%)	What website?
1 (0%)	Other (Please tell us your ideas in the feedback section at the end of the survey.)

Tell us what you like MOST about our website, www.neighborsforneighbors.org. (Check all that apply.)
66 (61%)	Find out what is happening in the JP area
30 (28%)	Find out about Neighbors for Neighbors groups
39 (36%)	The JP Community Calendar
24 (22%)	Links to other groups and organizations
16 (14%)	Fun to read
7 (6%)	Easy to find what I want quickly
3 (2%)	Use of media (graphics, video)
1 (0%)	Other (Please tell us your ideas in the feedback section at the end of the survey.)

Tell us what you like LEAST about our website, www.neighborsforneighbors.org. (Check all that apply.)
3 (2%)	Content is too geographically limited to JP
1 (0%)	Content is not interesting to me
2 (1%)	Tried to sign up for post access but found it was too hard
10 (9%)	Not enough pictures
2 (1%)	Not enough videos
12 (11%)	Even after the re-design, it’s still hard to find what I want quickly
3 (2%)	Use of media (graphics, video)
8 (7%)	Other (Please tell us your ideas in the feedback section at the end of the survey.)

Tell us what you like MOST about our Newsletter. (Check all that apply.)
51 (47%)	I like it because I can’t make events, but still want to know what is happening
20 (18%)	Well-written
18 (16%)	Jam-packed with information I can use
40 (37%)	Issued at the right frequency (my mailbox isn’t overloaded)
2 (1%)	Other (Please tell us your ideas in the feedback section at the end of the survey.)

Tell us what you like LEAST about our the Newsletter. (Check all that apply.)
3 (2%)	Content is BORING!
3 (2%)	Issued too frequently (My mailbox is overloaded!)
7 (6%)	Issued too infrequently
0 (0%)	I moved and don’t want it, but it won’t let me go! (Please fill out the “I moved” form on the Thank you page.)
8 (7%)	Other (Please tell us your ideas in the feedback section at the end of the survey.)

How did you find out about Neighbors for Neighbors?
6 (5%)	Neighborsforneighbors.org
50 (46%)	Friend or neighbor
6 (5%)	Newspaper
1 (0%)	TV, radio, blog
10 (9%)	Flier at my building
9 (8%)	Flier at the T
0 (0%)	Socializing for Justice
3 (2%)	Boston Cares
1 (0%)	The Nametag Project
13 (12%)	Other

When was the first event you attended?
13 (12%)	2004
17 (15%)	2005
24 (22%)	2006
39 (36%)	2007

How many NFN events did you attend last year (2007)?
29 (27%)	1
41 (38%)	2
21 (19%)	3+

If you have contributed to Neighbors for Neighbors, please tell us how. (Check all that apply.)
21 (19%)	Became a Very Important Neighbor
11 (10%)	Gave to a specific fund (youth week, fire fund, holiday drive, etc)
50 (46%)	Told my friends and neighbors about NFN
8 (7%)	Helped organize an event
23 (21%)	Offered my services
3 (2%)	Other (Please tell us your ideas in the feedback section at the end of the survey.)

How long have you lived in JP?
13 (12%)	Less than one year
31 (28%)	1-3 years
23 (21%)	3-5 years
18 (16%)	5-10 years
18 (16%)	10 or more years
4 (3%)	Not from JP

What is the primary language spoken at your home?
105 (98%)	English
0 (0%)	Spanish
0 (0%)	Chinese
0 (0%)	Somali
0 (0%)	Haitian
0 (0%)	Other

What best describes your current occupation?
1 (0%)	Undergraduate Student
10 (9%)	Graduate Student
10 (9%)	Education
2 (1%)	Entertainer / Performer / Artist
9 (8%)	Service Industry (Food / Retail)
1 (0%)	Retired
17 (15%)	Non-profit
17 (15%)	Health / Human Services
9 (8%)	Government
30 (28%)	Other

Please tell us your gender.
79 (73%)	Female
26 (24%)	Male
0 (0%)	Transgender
0 (0%)	Other

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City of Boston declares that a snow emergency and parking ban will go into effect at 2:00 p.m.

admin — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 17:16:55 +0000

Mayor Thomas M. Menino today declared that a snow emergency and parking ban will go into effect at 2:00 p.m. this afternoon. Putting public safety as the top priority, Mayor Menino reminded residents of the following:

Please also remember to help your neighbors.

Move cars from main arterials during snow emergencies. A listing of main arterials can be found at: www.cityofboston.gov/snow/parking/asp.
Do not park cars within 20 feet of an intersection. Parking too close to an intersection can restrict emergency vehicle access.
Do not throw snow back into the street. “Throwbacks” force the city to remove snow from the same street twice.
Shovel out fire hydrants close to your home.
Property owners are reminded to shovel snow from sidewalks that abut homes and businesses.
Keep wheelchair ramps clear.
Check on elderly and neighbors and others in need.
Take extra precaution near school bus stops where children may be waiting without parental supervision.
Treat non-working traffic lights as stop signs and proceed cautiously at intersections.
Any Space-savers in on-street parking spaces that have been cleared should be removed 48 hours after a snow storm has ended.

During declared snow emergencies, discounted parking is available at several parking lots and garages to cars that display Boston resident parking stickers. A list of locations is available at www.cityofboston.gov/snow.

Thanks to our neighbor ‘Blog Master Brett” you can find out where to park on the map below:
View Larger Map

Please remember to help out your neighbors in need.

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Vote for Boston Youth Dance Group “Status Quo” here!

admin — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 04:06:58 +0000

Please vote for Boston’s own Status Quo at http://www.mtv.com/ontv/dyn/dance_crew/voting.jhtml?episodeId=3123

Lets show our youth who are making positive peaceful choices we support them!

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MEDIA ALERT - Boston Youth to Perform on MTV tonight - They need our votes!

admin — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 17:25:00 +0000

Dear Neighbors,

Tonight, Thursday, Feb 21 on MTV, at 8:30 PM, Boston based youth dance group “Status Quo” will be competing in the third round of MTV’s Randy Jackson Presents America’s Best Dance Crew.

I am sending this media alert to request your assistance to help get the word out that Status Quo needs our votes!

These youth have chosen to be peaceful, dance, and be positive role models. Lets show our support and celebrate their choices by rallying behind them!

You can learn more about them here: http://www.mtv.com/ontv/dyn/dance_crew/crews.jhtml?crew=status_quo

Please include this in your broadcasts today, talk about on your shows, and forward to your friends, family, and congregations!

If you’d like to be put in touch with some of the groups family members reply with your contact information and I will forward it to them.

Your neighbor in Jamaica Plain,

Joseph Porcelli
857-222-4420
jporcelli@neighborsforneighbors.org

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Quality Preschool Program Has Openings for Income Eligible Families

admin — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 20:34:54 +0000

Your Child’s Success Starts Here.. Quality Preschool Program Has Openings for Income Eligible Families

Native American Head Start, 105 South Huntington Ave, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130.

We are looking for families who have a child who has turned three or four by September 1st, are income eligible and live within the City of Boston. Handicapped and special needs children are especially welcome.

We offer trained staff with a fully equipped classroom, nutritious meals, healthcare and family services and much much more…

Please call for more information or to set up an appointment to complete the application process (617) 232-8534.

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Postponed: “Iron Ladies of Liberia” Screening (FREE)

Jamaica Plain Forum — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 16:20:25 +0000

Due to inclement weather, this event is being postponed.

Please watch our website or join our email list for updates on rescheduling.

The Jamaica Plain Forum Presents

“Iron Ladies of Liberia” documentary screening and discussion

Catch it on WGBH stations:

Wednesday, March 19, 8 - 9pm, WGBH WORLD

Sunday, March 23, 9 - 10pm, WGBX, Chanel 44

She’s already overcome tremendous obstacles to become the first woman ever elected president in Africa—now all she has to do is turn around Liberia — a country devastated by unemployment, debt, corruption, and the legacy of civil war. Follow Ellen Sirleaf Johnson through her first year in office as she faces angry mobs, ambitious political rivals, and high-ranking members of the international community. Her story is inspiring a new generation of leaders in Africa and around the world.

Our film will be followed by an informal discussion. Free popcorn provided!

http://www.jamaicaplainforum.org

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Boston Dance Group “Status Quo” in Globe Today

admin — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 14:16:00 +0000

Check out the article about some of our younger neighbors who have danced their way to MTV. They’ve performed at Spontaneous, English High, and practiced in the Southwest Corridor Park - http://www.boston.com/ae/tv/articles/2008/02/19/one_step_closer/

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A SEASON OF STRING BAND SUPERSTARS @ NOTLOB PARLOR CONCERTS

notlob — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 20:48:00 +0000

NOTLOB PARLOR CONCERTS

AT THE LORING-GREENOUGH HOUSE PRESENTS

A SEASON OF STRING BAND SUPERSTARS

February 29 through April 5

Kristin Andreassen (Uncle Earl, Sometymes Why), Laura Cortese (Halali), Tristan Clarridge (Crooked Still), Lissa Schneckenburger (Halali), Corey DiMario (Crooked Still), Matt Heaton, Rushad Eggleston (Crooked Still) and Chris Merenda (Mammals)

The 60’s were famous for rock and folk “super groups”, such as Blind Faith and CSN&Y. Their equivalent in the 2000’s is string band / newgrass / folk / Celtic super groups. At the forefront are

UNCLE EARL ~ (Kristin Andreassen (guitar, fiddle, harmonica, clogging and vocals), Rayna Gellert (fiddle and vocals), KC Groves (guitar, mandolin, bass and vocals) & Abigail Washburn (banjo and vocals).

CROOKED STILL ~ Aoife O’Donovan (vocals and guitar), Dr. Gregory Liszt (banjo), Corey DiMario (double bass); Tristan Clarridge (fiddle & cello) & Hanneke Cassel (fiddle).

THE MAMMALS ~ Tao Rodriguez-Seeger (banjo), Ruth Ungar Merenda (fiddle, guitar and vocals), Mike Merenda (guitars and vocals), Jacob Silver (bass) and Chris Merenda (drums).

SOMETYMES WHY ~ Kristin Andreassen (vocals, guitar, harmonica, glockenspeil, piano, cymbals, tambourine), Aoife O’Donovan (vocals, guitar, ukulele, piano, glockenspeil, tambourine, cowbell), Ruth Ungar Merenda (vocals, guitar, ukulele, fiddle, glockenspeil, high hat).

HALALI ~ Hanneke Cassel (fiddle, piano), Laura Cortese (fiddle, vocals), Lissa Schneckenburger (fiddle, background vocals) & Flynn Cohen (guitar).

Note the inter-connectivity?

Since June, 2006, Notlob Parlor Concerts has presented from these groups, Aoife O’Donovan, Kristin Andreassen, Ruthy Merenda (twice) and Mike Merenda. The relationship continues, as from February 29 through April 5, Notlob Parlor Concerts is proud to continue its association with the best of the string bands by presenting:

Friday, February 29, to celebrate Leap Year Day, KRISTIN ANDREASSEN will be joined by Laura Cortese and Tristan Clarridge.

Saturday, March 15, to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, LISSA SCHNECKENBURGER will be joined by Corey DiMario and Matt Heaton.

Saturday, March 22, THE WIZARD BAND will perform. The Wizard Band is RUSHAD EGGLESTON and Gabriel Cazes.

Saturday, April 5, CHRIS MERENDA will be joined by Adam Sweeney.

These concerts will be presented at the historic Loring-Greenough House, 12 South Street, Jamaica Plain. Built in 1760, the venue listed in the National Register of Historic Places and has been a historic house museum since 1926. Its beautiful period decor and intimate size make it an ideal setting for acoustic music.

Kristin Andreassen

Laura Cortese

Tristan Clarridge

http://www.yellowcarmusic.com/

http://www.myspace.com/kristinandreassen/

http://www.uncleearl.net/

http://www.sometymeswhy.us

http://www.lauracortese.com/

http://www.myspace.com/lauracortese/

http://www.myspace.com/clarridgefiddlers/

Lissa Schneckenburger

Matt Heaton

Corey DiMario

http://www.yellowcarmusic.com/lissa/

http://www.mattandshannonheaton.com/

The Wizard Band (Rushad Eggleston & Gabriel Cazes)

w/ The Accident That Led Me to the World

http://www.rushadeggleston.com/

http://www.myspace.com/snee/

http://www.markmandeville.com/

Chris Merenda

Adam Sweeney

http://www.chrismerenda.com/

http://www.myspace.com/chrismerenda

http://www.themammals.net

http://www.adamsweeney.net

http://www.myspace.com/adamsweeney/

Website & artist information: http://notlobmusic.googlepages.com, http://www.myspace.com/notlobhouseconcerts

Reservations: As seating is limited to 40, reservations are recommended. Email notlobmusic@gmail.com

Venue & directions: Loring-Greenough House, 12 South Street, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130, the large yellow house at the intersection of Centre and South Streets, across the street from the Civil War monument. http://www.lghouse.org/information.htm. Handicap accessible; please call 617-524-3158 for more information.

Parking: The Loring-Greenough House lot holds 12 cars, gates are closed when full. Parking is also available on the street and in the public lot located behind Blanchard’s liquors, one block away.

MBTA: Take #39 bus from either Back Bay Station or Forest Hills Station to the Monument stop, directly in front of the Loring-Greenough House, at the intersections of Centre and South Streets.

Dining: There are several fine restaurants on Centre Street within 2-3 blocks, with on street parking and a large public parking lot behind Blanchard’s. At Centre Street Café – http://www.centrestcafe.com/ - (669A Centre Street, 617-524-9217), show proof of your reservation and get 10% off. More information at http://groups.google.com/group/notlobmusic/web/centre-street-cafe-becomes-a-notlob-restaurant-partner

Coffee, tea, water and pastries are available for a donation.

Notlob Parlor Concerts is supported by its patrons and business partners Sweet Finnish, JP Licks and Centre Street Cafe.

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Let’s go roller skating tonight!

admin — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 16:02:09 +0000

We’re going Roller Skating tonight at Chez Vous!
Meet us there at 8:30 PM or if you need a ride, or have seats to spare,
at 8:00 PM in the parking lot behind Bank of America in JP.
Cost is $10 bucks and includes rentals.

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Civic Leadership Institute - Boston Cares

Karen — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 22:16:00 +0000

Boston Cares is pleased to offer its 4^th year of the:

Civic Leadership Institute

Boston Cares organizes and leads team-oriented volunteer opportunities and services in and around Boston that have a positive impact on individuals and communities.Boston Cares will be in its fourth year (2008-2009) of our year-long Civic Leadership Institute, as part of our broader Citizen’s Academy initiative. The goal is to help participants to deepen their civic engagement in their communities. It will equip Fellows with skills and tools they can use to become more fully engaged and effective community members.

The Civic Leadership Institute has two components: leadership skills development and practical skills application.

The leadership skills development component will focus on developing individuals’ leadership strengths and styles through training from local experts on leadership development, building civic participation, community organizing, building effective partnerships, and identifying resources.

The practical skills application component will offer opportunities for the Fellows to translate their skills in action through projects focused on political action, issue advocacy, board member development, philanthropy and fundraising and volunteer management.

Who Should Apply?

§ Compassionate individuals who are ready to take their volunteerism to the next level

§ Community involved residents who’d like to ramp up their ability to make a difference

§ Social change entrepreneurs of all ages, backgrounds, and life experiences

§ Corporate and non-profit professionals who have evidence of leadership experience or potential, and meaningful involvement in their workplace or community

§ Individuals with a strong personal initiative to make an active contribution to the Greater Boston area

Benefits

Participants will:

§ Gain skills in civics and community building

§ Develop their personal leadership capabilities

§ Learn how to engage political decision makers and other key community stakeholders

§ Acquire technical skills in media, public speaking, communication strategies

§ Network with others working to improve community and civic life

§ Collaborate with other participants to develop an action plan that will be implemented during and after their leadership institute

Requirements

Fellows will commit to a half-day retreat on Saturday 21, June 2008 from 9a – 2:30p, 10 monthly evening meetings (the second Wednesday of each month from July – April, except January which is the third Wednesday) and a graduation in May 2009. In addition, Fellows should expect to commit 20-30 hours for the practical skills application component.

Application Process

We invite interested Boston Cares members as well as all community members to apply to the Civic Leadership Institute. There is no cost for the application, but if selected, there will be a non-refundable $100 materials and training supplies fee. (A limited number of scholarships will be available)

For more information:

http://www.bostoncares.org/AboutUs/index.php/citizen_academy/cli/home.html

or email kboss@bostoncares.org

Applications due April 11, 2008 by 5 p.m.

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