Thank you for your interest in joining the Good Neighbour Kitsilano Connect & Prepare Block Connector Cohort!
Good Neighbour Kitsilano is partnering with Building Resilient Neighbourhoods to deliver the innovative Connect & Prepare program in our community! The program is intended to develop connections between neighbours, community and government to support a coordinated neighbourhood-wide emergency response, to make sure no one is left behind, especially the most vulnerable members of our community. We are seeking dedicated community leaders living in Kitsilano to join the Block Connector cohort to help us develop and test this grassroots approach to emergency planning. Training, resources and microgrants provided.
What is Good Neighbour Kitsilano?
Good Neighbour Kitsilano is an independently organized, volunteer-run grassroots group, brought to you by your neighbours, in partnership with Building Resilient Neighbourhoods and Kitsilano Neighbourhood House. Good Neighbour Kitsilano is a member of Communities Building Belonging, Tamarack Institute for Community Engagement. Learn more at https://goodneighbourkitsilano.ca/
Who are Block Connectors?
Block Connectors are volunteers (aka community heroes!) who work with their neighbours to co-create a shared emergency preparedness plan for their building or block.
Overview of the Connect & Prepare Block Connector Program
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June 11: Gathering 1 - Connecting Neighbours to Prepare Together - Part I - Discover how social connections build emergency readiness, learn key program goals, get tools to engage neighbours, and connect with fellow Block Connectors!
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July 9: Gathering 2 - Connecting Neighbours to Prepare Together - Part II - Get group coaching, strengthen facilitation skills, and practice creating a preparedness plan with your neighbours.
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August 13 Gathering 3 - Connecting Neighbours & Community to Prepare Together - Explore ways to sustain action, build emergency communication skills, map community assets, and practice response through real-life scenarios.
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October 8: Gathering 4 - Connecting Neighbours & Government to Prepare Together - Connect with community and government partners to explore how neighbours and officials can prepare together.
What will you do as a Block Connector?
- Attend 4 Connect and Prepare interactive gatherings
- Invite a neighbour to join you in this experience
- Engage your neighbours to map assets & develop an emergency preparedness plan
- Liaise with your building or property manager to secure their support
- Join the Connect and Prepare Block Connector Cohort WhatsApp Group to share your progress, questions, challenges and keep each other accountable
- Share photos, videos and stories of impact
- Participate in the evaluation
What will you bring to the Block Connector Cohort?
- Another neighbour to work with! It is more effective (and fun!) to connect with a help of a friend (we can support with this!)
- Engage with your building manager or property owner and get their support to put up posters or use a common area (we can help with this!)
- A commitment to fulfill the requirements of the program
- Your skills and talents
- Most importantly, a passion for bringing people together!
What will you receive?
- A Block Connector Kit to make connecting easier
- Training and coaching
- Program materials such as emergency preparedness checklists, guides to build neighbour-to-neighbour emergency systems, asset-mapping tools, and more!
- A $100 convening micro-grant to help cover refreshments and other costs for neighbour gatherings
- A community of like-minded neighbourhood heroes!
Application Deadline: May 25, 2025