P.O. Box 203731, Austin, Texas 78720-3731
http://www.main.org/aspa

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RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF NATIONAL NIGHT OUT

WHEREAS, fear of crime itself is a pervasive public concern;

WHEREAS, participation by citizens in civic life continues to plummet and is a threat to our democratic republic;

WHEREAS, the American Society for Public Administration is committed to assisting citizens in their dealings with government and involving the public in policy decision-making, which require creative effort to engage and help members of the public understand one another and face public problems together;

WHEREAS, isolation from and ignorance of one's neighbors reduces the sense of community and willingness to contribute one's time and energy to the common good;

WHEREAS, public information about government as well as crime prevention and safety education for children and adults are most effective when they involve participation;

WHEREAS, professional law enforcement staff need community support to be effective;

WHEREAS, everyone likes to have fun;

AND WHEREAS National Night Out is a neighborhood social event that is becoming a non-partisan, non-sectarian, inclusive civic tradition that serves the stated purpose of "heightening crime and drug-abuse prevention awareness, generating support for and participation in local anti-crime programs, strengthening neighborhood spirit and police-community relations, and sending a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back" while also creating opportunities for millions to have fun, get to know their neighbors better and thereby restore trust in one another and in government;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION endorses and strongly encourages all its members and all the public to

• participate in National Night Out, the first Tuesday in August of every year;
• take personal responsibility to lead or assist in organizing events on their blocks or in their buildings;
• and encourage co-workers, employees, families, and friends to do the same.

Publication Plan: a press release, publication in the chapter newsletter and Website, and letters from the Chapter President or designee to ASPA's national policy issues committee and other organizations.

Adoption: May 27, 1998, by vote of the CenTex Chapter Council.

More information: National Night Out is the first Tuesday in August every year. In 1999, the celebration falls on August 3. In Austin, Officer Trey Kleinert is coordinator for the Austin Police Department; call 512 416-5552 or e-mail apdnno1999@aol.com or see the special webpage and online registration form at http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/police/nno.htm. Elsewhere, contact your local law enforcement office or call 1-800 NITE OUT, the toll-free number of the sponsor of National Night Out, the National Association of Town Watch, which also has a website at http://www.nationaltownwatch.org/natw.html.