©The Lasiewicz Foundation

Excerpts from "Grassroots Guide to Forming Neighborhood Councils" published by Los Angeles Councilman Joel Wachs

On June 30, 2001 our local community gathered to form their own organization to meet the needs and desires of its residents. If a community shares a vision of the future, then, indeed, it is to their best interests to work together with their local government, local businesses, and other local community organizations to achieve their dreams and affect the welfare of their progeny for generations to come.

On our own local level, Silverlake, Los Angeles, California, many among us want to better our environment. We want to improve local land use, expand public facilities that will cater to our leisure and recreation time as well as expand our education. We want better access to public services and notification of proposed developments, which can either adversely affect or favorably benefit our community.

A certified neighborhood council, such as provided for in the new charter of the City of Los Angeles, can be a powerful tool for improving any community, be a steward of the community's vision and its catalyst for constructive change. The process will require a positive interface with both the private and the public sectors of that community. A structure that meets the needs of it own community will benefit all stakeholders. It's a simple case of those taking care of their own and in so doing they benefit the community at large.

EDITOR'S NOTE:
If your own community is making strides in organizing to benefit its stakeholders, we'd like to hear about you and your progress. Grassroots communities make up the fiber of our democracy. You can contact us on site or Direct your email to the Editor.