Last Update: 07/29/07

Oakridge Neighborhood Association Membership

by Martha Dollar, Membership Director

Our ONA Membership Drive

It's that time of year again... time for our annual ONA membership drive ... time to encourage our neighbors to join us in working to improve our neighborhood. What can we say or do to encourage others to join us?

The ONA works hard to: 

• Maintain the entrances and common areas of Oakridge
• Put out a newsletter every month to inform residents of happenings in Oakridge
• Maintain a website to provide additional information to residents
• Decorate the entrances at Christmas
• Provide social activities such as the 4th of July Parade and the Annual Picnic
• Maintain a relationship with our Neighborhood Police Officer (NPO), and the Citizens on Patrol (COP), and provide safety information to the community
• Maintain a relationship with the City of Garland
• Greet new neighbors as they move into the neighborhood and try to make them feel welcome
• Provide an annual neighborhood phone directory for every member

But we need to go beyond pointing out what the ONA does for the residents of Oakridge. One of the most effective ways to reach people is through relationships. However, building new relationships takes some time and effort that most of us feel we aren't able to give. So... in an effort to make this easier for everyone...

As part of our membership drive this year we are having a block party for each neighborhood district. We have been working with our Special Events Coordinator, the District Directors, and some very enthusiastic volunteers. Many thanks to all who are helping!

One party is being held each Saturday during the months of May and June. At the writing of this article, we have had block parties for Districts 1, 7, and 2. They have been a wonderful success, enjoyable for the many neighbors who have attended. A special thank you goes to all of the residents who brought along delicious home cooked dishes and desserts.

This is a great opportunity to invite all of your neighbors to a cook-out/party planned just for them. Invite them to come and enjoy the music, the food, meeting new friends, and visiting with old friends. It's great fun!

We still have 4 more block parties to go. The schedule for these block parties is on the website (along with special information on the current one) and is also included in this newsletter. Please come. Encourage your neighbors to come. You'll have a great time.

We will be sending out the annual membership invoices to the whole neighborhood the first week in June. It is my hope that we will far surpass the 42 % participation mark this year.

Please visit with your neighbors. Tell them about the ONA. Encourage them to join us in making our neighborhood a fun, safe, and beautiful place to live. The more people who are willing to help us... the more we are able to do for the neighborhood.

Join the ONA!