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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Adopt-A-Block?
The Adopt-A-Block program is an on-going litter
abatement program with a goal of involving more people to help keep their
neighborhoods clean. Adopt-A-Block is a block coordinator
program, and rests on the enthusiasm and commitment of neighborhood people. We
engage individuals who will keep their blocks clean on an ongoing basis, whether
that means daily pick up while walking or after returning from work; weekly
informal cleanups; or a monthly effort where everyone participates in one large
cleanup. Blocks are monitored and scored monthly April through October, with
rewards given to those who achieve a specified level of cleanliness within a
designated time period. A Steering Committee meets monthly to
determine the specifics of the program.
How will the monitoring be carried out?
Monitoring will be done monthly by existing services
within each block (i.e., Department of Metropolitan Development,
Department of Public Works). Each block will be rated using a 1-4 scale
with 1 being no litter, and 4 being extremely littered. Block
coordinators will also be notified of other issues included abandoned
vehicles and high weeds on their blocks. Monitors will report those
scores to Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, who will keep a log of all
involved blocks. Coordinators will be informed monthly as to their
score. At the end of the period (October), all scores will be averaged
and awarded blocks determined.
What resources will be provided to help me?
To start off with, Keep Indianapolis Beautiful will
provide each block coordinator with a cleanup kit including a broom,
shovel, bags, gloves, and a bucket. The City of Indianapolis will also
provide a permanent sign designating each block as a part of Adopt-A-Block.
On an annual basis, Adopt-A-Block will provide you
with a supply of gloves and trash bags to aid you in your cleanup
activities. Adopt-A-Block will also offer participating blocks a dumpster or packer
truck once every year for a large litter cleanups.
Every spring, Adopt-A-Block hosts its
flower distribution for blocks that received an average score of 2 or
better the year before. Blocks that meet this requirement will receive
free flats of flowers to further their beautification efforts. In
addition, worthy blocks will also have the opportunity to receive
beautification grants.
What are
Adopt-A-Block
Roundtables?
In 2005, Adopt-A-Block added a new element to its
program: the Adopt-A-Block Roundtables. Roundtables are get-togethers
that happen twice a year and focus on issues and themes that the block
coordinators choose. In 2005, our Adopt-A-Block Roundtables keyed in on
nuisance properties and illegal dumping, as well as appreciative inquiry
for community development. Adopt-A-Block block coordinators have the opportunity to
network and share success stories with each other, as well as learn
strategies to address pertinent block issues. |
Councilor
King Ro Conley speaking at the Annual
Meeting
in March 2005 |
How can I get involved in Adopt-A-Block?
You can get involved by becoming a Block Coordinator.
These leaders are recruited via crime watch block clubs,
neighborhood associations, community meetings, anywhere that neighborhood
people meet. The block coordinators are responsible for working closely
with the residents of their block on cleanup scheduling and
responsibilities. Yes!
I want to become a
Block Coordinator!
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