From 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on August 6th, residents in California and across the nation are invited to lock their doors, turn on outside lights, and step outside to enjoy the evening with neighbors while taking a united stand against crime. Cities and towns throughout the country will celebrate the occasion by hosting a variety of social events such as block parties, BBQ cookouts, ice cream socials, parades, and youth activities, all of which are attended by fellow residents and law enforcement.
- Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness;
- Generate support for, and participation in, local anticrime programs;
- Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships; and
- Send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.
CalVCP knows the immense toll that crime takes on victims and their loved ones. Over 150,000 violent crimes are reported in California each year, and many more are believed to go unreported due to fear or embarrassment. In the 2011-2012 fiscal year alone, CalVCP received over 53,000 applications for victim assistance. Given these startling statistics, the widespread reach of NNO renders it an invaluable vehicle for constructive dialogue and positive change. As a leading advocate in the fight against crime, CalVCP recognizes that a safer nation starts at the individual and community levels. A city is only as strong as the citizens that reside within it, and NNO represents a key step in making neighborhoods a safer place year round.
NNO was founded in 1984 as an effort by the National Association of Town Watch (NATW) to promote civic engagement and involvement in crime prevention activities, police-community partnerships, and neighborhood camaraderie. That year, 2.5 million Americans took part across 400 communities in 23 states. By 2012, NNO participation had expanded to 15,704 communities to unite 37.5 million people from all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities, and military bases worldwide. NNO 2013 is expected to be the largest ever.
This August, let’s join forces with our neighbors nationwide to build community relationships and neighborhood unity and give crime the ultimate going away party.
Any municipality, law enforcement agency, crime prevention organization, community group, or neighborhood interested in participating in NNO 2013 is invited to register here.
