About the Neighborhood Block Party Express

Community Vision was recently awarded funding from the Community Leadership Association (CLA) in support of its new Neighborhood Block Party Express. The project will engage residents at the neighborhood level, providing leadership-oriented curriculum in a fun and inclusive environment. The Block Party Express trailer, which will contain information about civic engagement and local leadership opportunities, will roll into neighborhoods throughout the county. Available to residents for community block parties, the Neighborhood Block Party Express will provide a means for disseminating community information and gathering feedback from hard to reach populations. The Neighborhood Block Party Express offers a unique way to engage locals from all walks of life who might not otherwise participate in community gatherings.

The Express will travel to locations throughout Osceola County (primarily on weekends) upon request by community members, nonprofit leaders, and faith-based organizations. Event organizers will be required to attend a training session to ensure good stewardship of the Express and its contents. Kissimmee Utility Authority, recognizing the value of an outreach vehicle, agreed to partner with Community Vision. KUA, who also sponsors a number of Community Vision’s other leadership activities, will house the trailer, provide a grill, deliver the Express to event sites, and hold the orientation trainings. Community Vision will be responsible for creating programming, providing leadership-oriented materials, and collecting feedback. In light of our community’s leadership challenges, the benefits of creating a county full of engaged citizens who are able to communicate their concerns and contribute to a plan of action are innumerable.