Issue link: https://www.cominghomemag.com/i/1252341
In recent months, people across the world received a glimpse of what a strong and unified community can accomplish. For more than 36 years, the National Association of Town Watch (NATW) and its founder, Matt Peskin, have brought millions of residents, law enforcement o"cers, and first responders together through the National Night Out (NNO) campaign to do just that—build stronger communities. National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships, neighborhood camaraderie, and safer communities. The campaign enhances the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement, and brings back the true sense of community. Each year, millions of neighbors join in National Night Out events across thousands of communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories, and military bases worldwide. Traditionally, they come together to celebrate on the first Tuesday in August, and in Texas and other select areas, on the first Tuesday in October. This year, all participants will proudly gather on Oct. 6. Neighborhoods host block parties, festivals, parades, cookouts, and other community events with safety demonstrations, seminars, youth events, visits from police o"cers and emergency personnel, exhibits, and much more. National Night Out began in August of 1984 through an already-established network of law enforcement agencies, neighborhood watch groups, civic groups, state and regional crime prevention associations, and volunteers across the nation. The first-annual National Night Out included 2.5 million neighbors across 400 communities in 23 states. Now, it involves 38 million neighbors across 16,000 communities in all 50 states each year. After spending the beginning of the year isolated from one another, participating in National Night Out will be an excellent way for communities to come together and join a growing campaign that focuses on building strong relationships, helping others, and maintaining safe communities. National Night Out This campaign is making communities safer, more caring places to live. To learn more about National Night Out and get your community involved, visit natw.org. Image courtesy of natw.org BY ASHLEY CANTWELL PINCH OF GOODNESS 17