G.A.I.N. What Is It?
G.A.I.N. stands for Getting Arizona Involved in Neighborhoods. G.A.I.N. isArizona’s answer to National Night Out (NNO), which is held in August. Because of the soaring temperatures in August, communities statewide decided to observe NNO in October and call it G.A.I.N. October is also Crime Prevention month.
G.A.I.N. is a day of celebration for the successes of crime prevention through community involvement. Block Watches, apartment complexes, neighborhood groups, schools, parks, businesses, etc. across Phoenix participate in events to:
Show support for the efforts of those involved in the fight against crime
Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness
Generate support for, and participation in, local anti-crime programs
Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships
Send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back
Success of G.A.I.N. Depends on You!
G.A.I.N. is also a day for the Phoenix Police Department to show their appreciation for those in the community that support our efforts in the day to day fight against crime. It’s not too early to start thinking of ways you can help make G.A.I.N. a successful event.
G.A.I.N. – Party & Event Tips
The Phoenix Police Department would like to assist you with hosting a successful G.A.I.N. event. Here are some tips to help increase your attendance.
Planning
Ask individuals in person for help
Your event doesn’t have to be huge or elaborate…
Get more people involved in your event by asking them to do little things – divvy up the workload…it is a “neighborhood” event
Think times of the day for an event
- A community breakfast
- An evening movie
Flyers for your event may be helpful
People who help you plan may have connections with neighbors you don’t know as well; they may draw new people to the event
What are you going to need: tables, chairs, ice chests, canopies…?
Tailor your event to the people living on your block
- For example, if you have a lot of little children, plan activities that will be interesting to young kids and their parents
Don’t be afraid to contact local businesses – the answer is “no” unless you ask
Ask your neighborhood school to make posters for your event – a great way to involve the school and have kids feel helpful!
Are you going to need barricades or to block off a street?
- Information regarding closing off a street or obtaining barricades: http://phoenix.gov/streets/index.html or call Street Transportation Department @ (602)534-5369
Are you thinking about having your event at a local park?
- Information regarding reserving a park or ramada location: http://phoenix.gov/PRL/reserve.html or call Parks and Recreation Department @ (602)262-6862
Inviting
Invite all neighbors well in advance and in person. People are much more likely to participate when asked in person instead of reading about the event in a flyer or e-mail message
Invite the owner/managers of rental property on your block. Ask them to invite their tenants
Encourage involvement from businesses in or near your neighborhood
Create or update your neighborhood map/names while inviting. Tell everyone that the new info will be available at your event
Extend your event to invite a nearby street. Everyone will meet new neighbors and effectiveness of your block watch/GAIN event will spread
Many businesses will come out and participate in your event – but you need to ask early!
At your event
Start by having kids (with adult supervision) go door-to-door to remind neighbors, particularly households that haven’t attended in the past
Utilize any of the give-a-ways and materials provided – you may need to make copies
Encourage everyone to bring their own chairs
Remember garbage cans… what about recycling?SRPorAPSmay be able to help
Don’t forget ice…that last few events have been quite warm!
Suggestions for things to do at your event:
Have an ice breaker to introduce everybody
Name tags are quite helpful!
Display photos from past parties/events
Skill swap
Chili cook-off
A neighborhood garage sale
Dessert competition
Talk about crime prevention and keeping an eye on each other’s property
Establish a block watch if you don’t already have one
Introduce the Block Watch Captains and Co-captains
Welcome new residents
Conduct home security inspections
Pass out literature and any give-a-ways that you received from the kick-off event
Hang out and enjoy everybody’s company!
Pot luck is a great way to meet people (and try new food)
Activity ideas for youth:
Bicycle parade
Chalk art/make a mural or a banner
Face painting
Games
Snow cones
Finger painting
Inflatable bouncy
Red Ribbon week info (Oct 23-31)
Halloween ideas
Scavenger hunt
Water balloon toss
Pumpkin decorating
Be creative!
Contribute to your community:
Beautify a common area
Collect food/donations for a charity
Trash pick-up
Paint over graffiti
Fall clean up project
“Neighbor helping neighbor” projects
Plan your next event or meeting
July 2012
Dear G.A.I.N participant,
Thank you for your continued commitment and involvement in the Block Watch program. The Phoenix Police Department appreciates the time and effort you put forth to help keep your neighborhood safe.
The Phoenix Police Department works with block watch groups throughout the year to keep this crime prevention program active. We encourage you and your neighborhood to participate in G.A.I.N. 2012.
G.A.I.N. will be celebrated in various neighborhoods throughout Phoenixon Saturday, October 20, 2012. Members of the Phoenix Police Department, the Mayor and City Council members, the Fire Department, Neighborhood Services Department and countless others will be visiting G.A.I.N events throughout that day.
Registrations for your G.A.I.N. event must be completed by October 8th, 2012 to be eligible for a V.I.P. visit and a crime prevention tote. Although every attempt is made to visit all the events, it cannot be guaranteed.
For more information, please contact Officer Deb Iodice at 602-495-0597 or deborah.iodice@phoenix.gov or your local precinct for additional information.
Thank you for your continuing effort in the fight against crime to keep your neighborhoods safe.
We encourage your participation in this year’s G.A.I.N. 2012 event on Saturday, October 20th, 2012!
Sincerely,
The Phoenix Police Department
