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organizing and keeping your program going along with samples of NEIGHBORHOOD <br />WATCH signs, decals, and literature. <br />FINALLY..... <br />Contact as many of your neighbors as possible, asking them: <br />If they feel at risk of being burglarized or being the victim of other crimes; <br />If they have taken any steps to protect their homes; and <br />If they would be willing to attend a meeting to organize a NEIGHBORHOOD <br />WATCH group in your area. <br />You may be surprised to learn how many of your neighbors' lives have already been <br />touched by crime! <br />Planning for a Successful First Meeting <br />Schedule your kickoff meeting in a place convenient to the neighborhood, such as a <br />private home, church community building, school or library. <br />Contact your police or sheriffs department 10 to 14 days in advance and inform officials <br />of the date and place of the first meeting; verify than an officer will be able to attend. <br />Seek a commitment from the police chief or sheriff to assign an officer to work with your <br />group, and ask the chief or sheriff to address a letter to all potential NEIGHBORHOOD <br />WATCH members expressing support. (See sample). <br />Draw a large map of all the streets and households to be covered by your <br />NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH organization. Start with a manageable number of homes at <br />first; you can always add other areas. <br />Design a flyer or letter of invitation (see sample) and see that one is delivered to every <br />home on your target list. Teenagers and Scouts in the neighborhood can play a valuable <br />role by delivering announcements and information. <br />Follow up each invitation with a call or personal visit, reminding neighbors of the <br />meeting time and place. Try to get each household to commit at least one adult member <br />to the meeting so you can estimate potential attendance. All family members are <br />welcome to join NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH, as young people can add substantially to <br />the success of the program. Senior citizen participation is also a plus; retired seniors are <br />home and can observe the neighborhood when many other adults are at work. <br />