Celebrating the power of community
Thank you to everyone who hosted or attended a neighborhood gathering during the 1,000 Neighborhood Gatherings campaign!
The City’s 1,000 Neighborhood Gatherings initiative, an initiative that encouraged residents to host or attend a neighborhood gathering to address social isolation and loneliness, ended Sept. 28, on Good Neighbor Day and a public report is now available with insights into the 133-day-long campaign. It successfully brought together neighbors, while also engaging nonprofits and businesses throughout the city.
The initiative, which is part of Pikes Peak Rising, kicked off May 18 during Mental Health Awareness Month. It started, in part, as a response to U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy sounding the alarm of the negative impacts of loneliness, and a global study from Nextdoor that showed knowing as few as six of your neighbors helps decrease levels of social isolation, anxiety, and loneliness.
1,000 Neighborhood Gatherings by the Numbers
- There were 880 registered gatherings throughout the campaign, which averages to between 6 and 7 gatherings every day during the 133-day campaign.
- The single largest day of gatherings by count was Aug. 10, with 27 gatherings.
- A gathering was held in all 77 of the City’s neighborhoods, including 38 in the Pulpit Rock neighborhood, which took the top spot.
- City Council District 1 had the most gatherings of the six districts, with 158 total gatherings.
- The City of Springfield (Missouri), contacted the City of Colorado Springs about the 1,000 Neighborhood Gatherings initiative, and after learning more, decided to host their own version of the idea by encouraging residents to host 100 block parties during Missouri Good Neighbor Week (Sept. 28-Oct. 4).
- Based on extrapolated data from hosts surveyed after their gathering, it is estimated that more than 55,000 people attended a gathering throughout the campaign and more than 10,000 new connections were made between hosts and their neighbors.
- 96% of hosts felt more connected to their neighborhood after hosting a gathering and 95.4% felt their gathering had a positive impact on their neighborhood.
- 47% of hosts also said they felt more equipped to connect others with mental health resources in the community and 49% were more aware of how their community was being impacted by mental health than before hosting.
- Finally, 84% of hosts met someone new at their gathering.
Road to 1,000
1,000 Neighborhood Gatherings
Mental health is ALL of us. That’s why the City of Colorado Springs, in partnership with several community partners, is challenging residents to host 1,000 neighborhood gatherings this summer to encourage neighbors to connect with one another to address social isolation and loneliness. We can all play a part to make a positive impact on mental health – right where you live, on your own block, in your own neighborhood. Colorado Springs is on a mission to address this crisis head on, as we strive to be a city of good neighbors.
Why Host A Neighborhood Gathering?
By hosting a neighborhood gathering, you are stepping up and taking action to address mental health in Colorado Springs. A Nextdoor study showed people who know six or more of their neighbors have decreased levels of social isolation and loneliness compared to people who don’t. By stepping out of your home and connecting with neighbors through a neighborhood gathering, you are helping to build a social support system in your neighborhood.
1 - Pick the Date
- The 1,000 Neighborhood Gatherings initiative officially launches May 18-19 during Mental Health Awareness Month and will run through Sept. 28 (National Good Neighbor Day). Your gathering will count toward the 1,000 gatherings goal as long as you register it.
- Choose a date and time for your event! Weekends are great for bigger gatherings, while weekdays and weekends lunch or dinner work well for smaller get-togethers. Keep it simple and pick what best suits your plans.
2 - Choose and Plan a Gathering
Whether it’s snacks on your porch or shutting down the block for a party, there are a variety of ways to host a gathering. You can download helpful toolkits that include tips and ideas for how to host a great gathering by visiting CONO’s website. This includes ideas such as:
- Block Party
- Park Event
- Porch Lunch
- Clean Up
- Beautification Project
- Movie or Game Night
3 - Invite Your Neighbors!
- Invite your neighbors by knocking on their door or mentioning it the next time you see them
- Post on neighborhood social media sites like Nextdoor, your neighborhood Facebook Group, or ZonZon
Permits, Rentals, and Event Planning Support
Permits
- Will you have amplified noise at your event? Fill out the noise hardship permit.
- Are you planning a street closure for a block party? Fill out the block party permit.
- After completing the block party permit form, please submit the completed form to the Colorado Springs Special Events Portal.
- Renting a City park? Reserve a pavilion.
- Serving alcohol in a public space or right of way? Fill out the Liquor Permit. You do not need to fill this out if you are serving alcohol on private property
Rentals
- CONO can provide event supplies for your gathering on a first-come, first-serve basis by filling out the event supplies rental application and a $25 rental fee. Rentals include:
- Barricades to shut down your street so you and your neighbors feel safe and comfortable during your party.
- Fencing for events with alcohol.
- Yard signs to advertise your event.
- Tables
- Security for larger events.
Supporting Planning
- CONO can also provide event planning support at every step of the way! CONO wants your neighborhood to thrive and your gathering is a great first step! Email events@cscono.org for more information.
Register Your Gathering
By registering your gathering, you are helping Colorado Springs meet the goal of 1,000 neighborhood gatherings and making a difference in our community. You will also receive a free “Host Welcome Package” as part of the initiative, which will include free swag, additional resources on hosting, and more!
Mental Health Resources
Connection Resources
Pikes Peak Library District Reading List
Interested in doing a deeper dive? Check out the Pikes Peak Library District’s curated book list for the 1,000 Neighborhood Gatherings initiative! The list includes 15 adult and children’s books focused on themes of connection, neighboring, and addressing isolation. And while you’re at the library, don’t forget to take advantage of additional connection resources such as lawn game rentals and meeting space for your own gathering (book club anyone?).