Background: Enough Is Enough - Who We Are
Inspired by the concerns, fears and despair of constituents regarding escalating crime and tragic deaths in our communities, District 3 Commissioner Larry Johnson (DeKalb County, Georgia) assembled the Enough Is Enough Initiative in September 2010. Together, we determined to become "proactive" rather than "reactive" to the circumstances taking place in our own backyard; and that it is TIME to TAKE BACK OUR COMMUNITIES!
Enough Is Enough is a collaboration of several communities along the Glenwood Corridor of south DeKalb County. Presently, ten (10) homeowners' and/or community associations comprise our organization; and other communities in the area are joining our efforts.
We began by examining closely areas of need that affect the overall quality of life in our neighborhoods. As a result, the following teams were formed by volunteers as we began to identify common goals and objectives.
- Public Safety/Code Enforcement
- Economic Development
- Community Services
- Youth Development & Empowerment
How We Are Structured
Our grassroots efforts are guided by a Group Leader/Facilitator with oversight from the Commissioner's office. Each team is facilitated by a Team Leader. We meet monthly at the Goodwill Career Services Center, 1295 Columbia Drive, Decatur, GA 30032. Our meetings always take place on the 4th Thursday of every month from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Our meetings serve a three-fold purpose: (1) to keep our citizens abreast of legislative, education and other updates that impact our respective communities; (2) to work on specific initiatives as shown below; and (3) to share general community information that is meaningful to all.
By example, at our February meeting we facilitated presentations by Village Defense Program and the Goodwill Career Center. We learned that a real-time crime notification system is available to communities for a small investment and at least 50% community involvement. We also learned that free tax preparation and several job training opportunities are provided by Goodwill Industries. At every meeting, homeowners'/community associations can take back concrete or tangible ideas to improve and enhance their neighborhoods.
Short-Term Objectives
- Craft a mission and vision statement
- Establish a Police Sub-Station in our service area
- Develop a youth to be disseminated through our school system
- Set-up website
What We Desire In A Website - Some Ideas
- Pronounce our vision and mission statements
- Post information/meeting minutes gathered from meetings
- Provide legislative, education and community updates
- Offer spotlight features on specific communities
- Showcase our community heroes and student achievers
- Links to local government agencies and school system departments
- Post meeting dates and times
- Share information re: neighborhood watch programs (tips, successes, etc)
- Provide a web page for each participating homeowners'/community association
Please let me know if you find this information helpful. I would be happy to address other specific questions. Thank you, in advance, for your helpfulness. Please note that I have included Ingrid Butler, Executive Assistant to District 3 Commissioner Larry Johnson. She may supplement the information I have provided in this communication.
Respectfully,
Carla E. Kalip
Youth Development & Empowerment Facilitator
Enough Is Enough Initiative - Decatur, GA
(404) 985-1869
