In the spring of 1993 a number of Mount Pleasant residents decided to create a community organization that included everyone. They wanted a democratic organization with authority vested in a large number of people rather than a small group of self-appointed individuals with a high tolerance for evening meetings. This is a block level micro-democracy works.
Resident organizers find block reps for every block in the area.
A block can either be a block of houses, an apartment block, co-op, or condominium complex. Block reps get to know everyone on their block, then introduce them to one another. When neighbours first meet, they are often surprised and delighted to discover how many interesting people live on their own block. Once residents know one another, they can elect a block rep. Block reps then elect neighbourhood reps, who get together to form a co-ordinating committee for the area.