It’s been said that stronger connections lead to stronger relationships. However, in today’s fast-paced society, there isn’t much time to connect with neighbors and other community members. Although National Night Out is an event focused on anti-crime awareness and prevention, it is also an excellent way to bring families together—providing opportunities to socialize and leading to safer and more organized communities. This year’s national night out takes place Tuesday, August 5, 2014 (or October 7, 2014), so homeowners associations (HOAs) can support community efforts for this event by taking a few simple steps.

Plan with the community in mind.

No HOA should have to plan alone. The best way to ensure community involvement is to incorporate residents in the planning process. Residents have a diverse range of talents, and their input will be invaluable. Even if they are unable to participate in planning, residents may want to volunteer to be a part of an event that celebrates their willingness to maintain safe and vibrant neighborhoods. After registering with the official National Night Out organization, HOAs in the early stages of planning a National Night Out event can form a planning committee and seek resident participation through emails, newsletters, or through social networking websites. HOAs working within a shorter time frame should contact residents via phone or through email. The HOA board member in charge of planning should set the agenda and a calendar in order to make participation more convenient. The National Association of Town Watch also has a free organizational kit for registrants interested in hosting successful events.

Stay within budget.

Once the planning begins, it’s easy to find a wide variety of activities that will attract neighbors to a National Night Out event. Without a budget, HOAs and planning committees can spend more money than they initially intended. Bottom line: set a budget and stick to it. Most National Night Out expenses involve food and materials for activities. Implementing a National Night Out RSVP system should give planners an idea of how many residents want to attend. Choose food items that the HOA can purchase in bulk such as hot dogs, chips, pre-packaged cookies and bottled water. Save money on National Night Out events by choosing low-cost activities—“How well do you know your neighbor” mixers, community sports, board games, Karaoke contests and craft sales are sure to entertain residents. Seek volunteers to perform live music or run kid-related crafts. Having fun and promoting safety doesn’t mean spending a lot of money.

Celebrate the mission of National Night Out.

The main purpose of National Night Out is to develop and to promote crime prevention activities in communities across the nation. HOAs should invite local law enforcement officials to become involved in National Night Out events by speaking to residents or providing demonstrations to help highlight this important mission. Law enforcement officials and strong communities provide effective deterrents to crime.

If HOAs are putting the final touches on their National Night Out arrangements or preparing for future events, planning and staying within budget are crucial to hosting a National Night Out every resident can enjoy.

We recommend you also contact your HOA management company and recruit them to help out in your National Night Out festivities.  They should be willing to send an email to the whole neighborhood, post a notice on the community website, and even come and help out that night.  All you have to do is ask!