Get to know the people and organizations that can help you

Getting to know your local Community Police Officer, Community Police Centre, and Community Health and Resource Centres, is a great way to build good relationships with the people and organizations that can help you when you need it. 

Your local city councilors may also want and be able to assist you with an issue in your neighbourhood, so you should be in touch with them as well about any initiatives you start. You can find out who your councilor is by visiting the City of Ottawa website at:

http://www.ottawa.ca/city_hall/mayor_council/councillors/index_en.html.

You should also make connections with schools, churches and other faith groups and non-profit organizations as you never know when a project or issue may come up that you are all interested in and that you can all work on together. Every neighbourhood has its own resources, organizations and clubs and you should get to know yours before you start any project. Getting to know local media is also a good idea as you never know when they might be able to help you raise the profile of an issue or advertise an event. 

The old saying “there’s strength in numbers” is true. The more connected we are to people and groups in our communities, the more we benefit from each other’s skills and knowledge, and perhaps most importantly, the more likely we are to help each other in times of need. 

And, after all your hard work is done, remember to celebrate your successes! Take photos, write stories and send these to local papers and other media and to politicians and organizations in your community to let them know about the good work you are doing. Hearing about someone else’s success can often lead others to take action too.