Safe Streets
Moving Forward with Block Talks: Building Community on Your Terms
At PARS we're excited to introduce Block Talks as a new, inclusive way to foster safety, connection, and engagement within neighborhoods. This represents a fresh approach to community building that places the power directly in the hands of residents.
In the past, initiatives like National Night Out provided an opportunity for neighborhoods to come together, However Block Talks takes this a step further by giving communities 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 interest Block Talks provides the structure to make it happen.
Why the Change?
This move is about empowering communities. Block Talks prioritize:
- 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 can gather neighbors to start small with a conversation or plan a larger event — it’s entirely up to you. Our team is here to provide guidance, tools, and resources to help you organize and facilitate your Block Talk.
This is more than just a new 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.
The Role of CIVIC and Community Research in Shaping Block Talks
Our decision to transition to Block Talks is rooted in extensive community research and feedback collected in partnership with CIVIC (Community Violence Intervention Collaborative). Together, we engaged with residents across Shawnee County to assess the needs, challenges, and opportunities for creating safer and more connected neighborhoods.
CIVIC’s efforts align with their 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 this change:
- 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.
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.
Join the Movement
Block Talks are an opportunity for every neighborhood to take the lead. Whether you want to host a conversation, organize a resource-sharing event, or build deeper connections, Block Talks provide the tools to make it happen. Together, we can create safer, stronger, and more inclusive communities.
A big thanks to our Past Sponsors
