Safe Streets
Block Talks:
Building Community on Your Terms
At PARS We're excited to introduce Block Talks, an inclusive way to foster safety, connection, and engagement within neighborhoods. They are not just meetings - this is a fresh approach to community building that places the tools for change directly in the hands of residents.
Block Talks empower communities and give them the flexibility to create gatherings, events, and conversations that are tailored to their unique needs and priorities. Whether your neighborhood wants to host a family-friendly event, discuss local concerns, or simply connect over shared interests, Block Talks provides the structure to make it happen.
Block Talks Priorities
Community Leadership: The structure is intentionally flexible, allowing neighborhoods to take ownership of their own events and discussions.
Meeting People Where They Are: Block Talks can happen at times and in formats that suit your community—whether it’s a block party, a porch gathering, or a virtual discussion.
Amplifying Voices: Residents decide what’s most important to them, ensuring that every voice is heard and valued.
Building Stronger Connections: By encouraging meaningful conversations and collaborations, Block Talks help foster deeper relationships within neighborhoods.
How to get started:
Hosting your own Block Talk is simple!
- You determine who will make up our neighborhood group to get started, It could be one or more blocks, part or all of the street, or just a few houses. Start small by gathering a few neighbors for a conversation or plan a larger event – it’s entirely up to you.
- Don’t worry about the details, PARS will help you through the process and you can set the pace. We’ll help you develop agendas and schedule meetings to discuss strengths and barriers, set goals, determine potential solutions, and take action!
PARS Role in Block Talks
Our role in Block Talks is as a facilitator.
- The PARS team is here to provide support, guidance, and tools to help residents organize their first Block Talk as well as ongoing meetings and activities.
- PARS will collaborate with other community organizations to bring available resources and support to neighborhoods.
- PARS will work with residents to understand and access existing resources and explore new resources to help move them forward towards their unique goals.
Why Block Talks?
PARS’ decision to develop Block Talks is rooted in extensive community research and feedback collected in partnership with CIVIC (Community Violence Intervention Collaborative). Together in 2024, we engaged with residents and organizations across Shawnee County to assess the needs, challenges, and opportunities for creating safer and more connected neighborhoods. CIVIC’s efforts align with resident’s mission to engage neighborhoods, build trust, and develop trauma-informed, evidence-based approaches to reducing violence. Through surveys, focus groups, and collaborative discussions, the data revealed key insights that guided the formation:
- Community-Driven Engagement: Feedback showed that residents want more control over how their neighborhoods come together. Block Talks prioritize flexibility, allowing each community to tailor their approach based on unique needs and interests.
- Barriers to Participation: Traditional one-time events, like National Night Out, often excluded residents with time, transportation, or accessibility challenges. Block Talks provide ongoing opportunities for engagement that are more inclusive and adaptable.
- Focus on Safety and Connection: Over 50% of respondents expressed concerns about safety in their neighborhoods and a desire for more consistent, meaningful interactions among neighbors to build trust and collaboration.
This is more than just a neighborhood program–it’s a commitment to community engagement that is responsive, inclusive, and rooted in the belief that when communities lead the way, everyone benefits.
Let’s work together to create a stronger, safer, and more connected community–one Block Talk at a time.
Join the Movement
Block Talks are an opportunity for every neighborhood to take the lead!
Data Highlights
Why This Matters
- Homicide Rates: Black residents in Shawnee County experience homicide rates 10 times higher than white residents. Addressing violence requires a focus on root causes, such as systemic inequities and lack of resources.
- Housing Insecurity: Over 50% of Black and 36% of Latinx residents are housing burdened, compared to 30% of white residents, making it essential to meet people where they are.
- Trust and Access: Many community members cited a lack of trust in services and difficulty accessing essential resources as significant challenges. Block Talks aim to rebuild trust by fostering connections within neighborhoods.
The research revealed a clear need to move beyond one-size-fits-all solutions. Block Talks empower neighborhoods to:
- Lead Their Own Change: Residents have the autonomy to organize gatherings and address issues that matter most to them.
- Collaborate and Build Trust: By bringing people together in a supportive, ongoing way, Block Talks help rebuild trust and strengthen relationships.
- Create Lasting Impact: Addressing root causes of violence requires a long-term, community-led approach that engages residents in meaningful ways.
Active Block Talks
There are currently four active Block Talks running throughout Topeka, with more in the process of forming. Contact us to join an existing Block Talk or explore a new one.
- Southern Hills Block Talk
- Central Park Block Talk
- Valley Park Block Talk and NIA
- South Village Block Talk
Community Participation
Over the past year, 69 community organization members have attended Block Talk meetings, offering assistance and creating a stronger network of trust and collaboration.
Door to Door Engagement
By knocking on hundreds of doors, we have directly connected with neighbors, listing to their needs and linking them with available resources and opportunities when possible.
Contact us to start a Block Talk, find one in your neighborhood, or to get more information.
785-267-2963 or ihuckins@parstopeka.org