North Phoenix Alliance

Fight Back Alumni

Introduction

The Fight Back Alumni (FBA) program is made up of neighborhood volunteers like you who have decided to make a difference in their community against crime and blight. There are many obstacles to overcome. This web site is based on the experiences of many people and the tools they used to accomplish their missions. Whatever your issue may be, there are many roads that will lead you to the solution. The following is a guide to help you reach the right people or even talk to someone who is involved with a previous Fight Back that has experienced similar challenges

What Is A FightBack?

History
In September 1989, the Governor’s Alliance Against Drugs and the City of Phoenix Substance Abuse Commission started “Phoenix Fights Back.” This was a community-organized effort that used existing resources to educate and inform people about substance abuse.
About the same time, a pilot program, the Neighborhood Fight Back Program was initiated in City Council District 8 in the South Phoenix Village area. The word Fight Back was chosen to point out the desire of residents to take back their neighborhood by fighting against crime.
In the spring of 1992, the Mayor and City Council combined the two programs to fight drugs, crime and blight. Today, each of the City’s eight Council Districts selects an area as a Fight Back each year.

Focus
Revitalization, sustainability
Crime and blight reduction
Neighborhood leadership development

Benefits
Stronger community
Capacity building
Capital improvements eligibility
Neighborhood oriented code enforcement
Network of neighborhoods

Overview

Purpose
To provide techniques and support for building capacity, sustainability, and revitalization efforts to new Fight Back groups.

Mission
To support the vision of the Neighborhood Services Department and the Fight Back program by mentoring new Fight Back participants, providing technical assistance, and by sharing successful partnerships for sustainable neighborhood improvement.

Goals

Provide leadership development opportunities for Fight Back group participants.
Identify and promote alternatives that will increase the participation of families and youth in Fight Back communities.
Share methods and successful techniques for problem solving and sustainability in Fight Back Communities.
Assist groups in formulating techniques for building multicultural Fight Back neighborhoods.
Share funding resources information with Fight Back groups.
Identify methods to enhance communication between designated Fight Back groups.

Role
The functions of the Phoenix Fight Back Alumni will be carried out in accordance with established City of Phoenix policies and procedures under the auspices of the Neighborhood Services Department. The alumni will:
Share and exchange information with designated Fight Back groups.
Help promote special neighborhood-based events on behalf of designated groups.
Assist Fight Back groups in establishing priorities/goals on an as needed basis.
Act as mentor for Fight Back groups who need successful techniques to resolve conflicts.
Share techniques for building multi-cultural Fight Back neighborhoods.
Identify classes that will enhance the professional development of Fight Back leaders.
Coordinate an annual conference for Fight Back Alumni participants and existing designated Fight Back groups.

Organizational Structure
The Fight Back Alumni Association has two committees. Each committee is charged with developing an action plan to present to the Fight Back Alumni body. Neighborhood Services will facilitate meetings with committee chairs from Communications and Professional Development. The following outlines the framework for each committee:
Communications/Networking will develop a mode of effective communication between Fight Back alumni and Fight Back groups potentially to include newsletters, emails, and telephone trees. Identify and facilitate effective methods for Fight Back groups to exchange information amongst themselves.
Professional Development will assist city staff in identifying and developing training to support the Fight Back program and enhance the development of Fight Back group leaders.

Fight Back Alumni

Fight Back Alumni