Used to a very active block association, they were surprised to find it so quiet in their new community. After asking around, they were able to track down the last president of the community group, who was ill and had been unable to do any community organizing for years. Posting signs in local businesses and on the library's community bulletin board, the couple organized a community meeting around a spring clean up. A handful of people showed up. But there were enough to make people notice.
Most neighborhoods have existing organizations.
If you're not sure, you can check the sources above or ask at the local branch library, local schools, or your alderman's office. If your neighborhood has a festival, organizers are probably involved in community affairs year-round. Foster Partnerships Residents, financial institutions, insurance companies, corporations, and the city have joined hands to stimulate reinvestment in many Chicago neighborhoods under the umbrella of Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago. The independent nonprofit uses its resources to help redevelop problem properties and attract residents and businesses. A strong component is helping neighborhoods organize community networks.