Residents Groups
Residents Groups
Having been involved in my Estate's Residents Association for a decade I'm still surprised that more Estates don't have one. Here we list those we know of and explore some of the reasons we need them.
Embedded Files
THIS SITE IS NO LONGER BEING UPDATED.
Local Groups
Local Groups
The map indicates Navan areas that could potentially have residents groups.
The map indicates Navan areas that could potentially have residents groups.
However, most don't appear to be represented online.
However, most don't appear to be represented online.
Send us a link to their page or website if you can identify one.
Send us a link to their page or website if you can identify one.
The Group Purpose
The Group Purpose
This is simply neighbours getting together to solve common issues, have a better Communication Network and to have a stronger voice when dealing with the Council, building owners, landlords and agencies.
This is simply neighbours getting together to solve common issues, have a better Communication Network and to have a stronger voice when dealing with the Council, building owners, landlords and agencies.
Although the group has no 'official powers' being able to act as a collective voice has it's merits. As just one simple example last year a proposal was made by the Council to connect estates via pedestrian footpaths, resident groups acted quickly to inform everyone and to voice their concerns which stopped the proposal in its tracks. Would this have happened without a group?
Although the group has no 'official powers' being able to act as a collective voice has it's merits. As just one simple example last year a proposal was made by the Council to connect estates via pedestrian footpaths, resident groups acted quickly to inform everyone and to voice their concerns which stopped the proposal in its tracks. Would this have happened without a group?
Setup
Setup
The formal title 'Residents Association' puts people off getting involved. To overcome the historical connection newer groups tend to lose both formal words in their title in favour of:
The formal title 'Residents Association' puts people off getting involved. To overcome the historical connection newer groups tend to lose both formal words in their title in favour of:
'Neighbours of XXX'
'Neighbours of XXX'
'XXX Neighbourhood'
'XXX Neighbourhood'
'XXX Community'
'XXX Community'
'XXX Estate/Street'
'XXX Estate/Street'
'People of XXX'
'People of XXX'
Roles
Roles
To give any group credibility there are 3 key traditional roles that need volunteers to be elected to perform:
To give any group credibility there are 3 key traditional roles that need volunteers to be elected to perform:
- Chairperson or Leader who will host any meetings and direct the groups focus.
- Secretary will take the notes and handles any paperwork.
- Treasurer will ensures any money is accounted for.
Membership
Membership
Since the group has no 'official powers' most embrace every resident within a defined area as automatically being a member. After all we are talking about neighbours working together and to represent them you need to engage with each one.
Since the group has no 'official powers' most embrace every resident within a defined area as automatically being a member. After all we are talking about neighbours working together and to represent them you need to engage with each one.
Typically there is a need for an annual contribution from residents and it's usually because there is something within the estate that needs maintenance. For most this will be upkeep of the public areas especially grass cutting. We've covered this before in previous articles and if residents care about their environment they'll contribute financially too.
Typically there is a need for an annual contribution from residents and it's usually because there is something within the estate that needs maintenance. For most this will be upkeep of the public areas especially grass cutting. We've covered this before in previous articles and if residents care about their environment they'll contribute financially too.
Communication
Communication
Modern technology doesn't require regular meetings to be called and instant communication to the entire group is now possible without door 2 door canvasing. However, even though social media and 'Text Messages' can engage a large group almost immediately it doesn't replace the need to meet in person. Not everyone uses social media, in fact its far fewer than Facebook Inc would have us believe.
Modern technology doesn't require regular meetings to be called and instant communication to the entire group is now possible without door 2 door canvasing. However, even though social media and 'Text Messages' can engage a large group almost immediately it doesn't replace the need to meet in person. Not everyone uses social media, in fact its far fewer than Facebook Inc would have us believe.
The Community Facebook Page Navan South - Communities Unite now has over 2,000 adult group members but it doesn't replace the need for local Estates to each have their own group.
The Community Facebook Page Navan South - Communities Unite now has over 2,000 adult group members but it doesn't replace the need for local Estates to each have their own group.
Meetings
Meetings
An 'AGM' meeting is often the only annual group gathering. Lack of venues in our nearby area don't encourage us to meet any more frequently either as an estate or group of local organisers.
An 'AGM' meeting is often the only annual group gathering. Lack of venues in our nearby area don't encourage us to meet any more frequently either as an estate or group of local organisers.
Help
Help
Some residents might be willing to offer their assistance when it comes to fund raising or estate upkeep. Sometimes they have experience or qualified knowledge that can help the group.
Some residents might be willing to offer their assistance when it comes to fund raising or estate upkeep. Sometimes they have experience or qualified knowledge that can help the group.
Having a network soon highlights who can offer local help in certain circumstances. It might even be a plumber or first aider who can help in an emergency situation.
Having a network soon highlights who can offer local help in certain circumstances. It might even be a plumber or first aider who can help in an emergency situation.
Activities
Activities
EVENTS
EVENTS
Very few Groups organize any events of any type. It's a sad fact that when an activity such as childrens street party is suggested the mention of insurance is often the first thing highlighted. Since volunteers could have little knowledge of event planning they question their ability to host things, understanding the small print in insurance forms and the personal liability if things go wrong scares off most volunteers.
Very few Groups organize any events of any type. It's a sad fact that when an activity such as childrens street party is suggested the mention of insurance is often the first thing highlighted. Since volunteers could have little knowledge of event planning they question their ability to host things, understanding the small print in insurance forms and the personal liability if things go wrong scares off most volunteers.
NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH
NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH
Having brought the residents together this is usually the next stage in collective support. It's free to organise, maintain and comes with the added bonus that unlike grass cutting fees most people see their personal benefit to joining the scheme. Any group of residents can setup a NW Scheme provided they gain the local Garda support.
Having brought the residents together this is usually the next stage in collective support. It's free to organise, maintain and comes with the added bonus that unlike grass cutting fees most people see their personal benefit to joining the scheme. Any group of residents can setup a NW Scheme provided they gain the local Garda support.
Support
Support
Meath Public Participation Network (PPN) offers support to groups by connecting them with others.
Meath Public Participation Network (PPN) offers support to groups by connecting them with others.
Limited by the Data Protection Act together with lack of resources it unfortunately prevents them from hosting a public database of active groups and contacts. Therefore they arrange group meetings for individuals to introduce themselves and to meet with agencies and bodies who can offer support in the form of grants and other connections.
Limited by the Data Protection Act together with lack of resources it unfortunately prevents them from hosting a public database of active groups and contacts. Therefore they arrange group meetings for individuals to introduce themselves and to meet with agencies and bodies who can offer support in the form of grants and other connections.
If you have a local group you should Join It.
If you have a local group you should Join It.
If you don't have one then consider the benefits and Form One.
If you don't have one then consider the benefits and Form One.
Related Reading
Related Reading
Watch Out
Watch Out
May 2017 Article: With more new groups forming we ask what Neighbourhood Watch is all about and why we should all join.
Notice Board
Notice Board
May 2017 Article: We look at the past few weeks and talk to the founder about why everyone should join this page?
Read Next in May 2018 Edition
Read Next in May 2018 Edition
Coming Soon.
Google Sites
Report abuse