Between now and National Night Out 2011, all National Night Out registered areas are asked to designate a particular 'problem area' in their communities. It could be anything from a park overtaken by drug dealers, to a gang problem, to a graffiti problem, to expanding Neighborhood Watch, to a particular block or neighborhood plagued by crime, drugs or violence.

The goal will be to work towards correcting that problem within an estimated "365" days - or, in other words, by National Night Out 2011.

Veteran NNO Areas Announce Results

Those who became involved in "Project 365" in 2009, should make plans to announce the results of your efforts on National Night Out this year. Announce the results to your local area - and also be sure to include the results in your NNO 2010 post-project report.

Is This Your First Year with NNO and/or "Project 365"?

If this is your first year with "Project 365", simply designate (or target) a problem area in 2010. Please include the designated area/problem in your (1) preliminary agenda and (2) as part of your NNO 2010 post-project report.

In your post-project report for 2011, you will report on your accomplishments for the area you designated this year - and target a new area for the following year.

Ultimately...

As National Night Out rolls around each year, along with the traditional activities, NNO coordinators will be reporting on the results of the problem area that they have designated from the previous year - and targeting a new area or problem for the coming year.

Will "Project 365" be Considered in the NNO Awards?

YES! Participation in "Project 365" will be considered in awards competition. Post-project reports should contain a section devoted to "Project 365". Bonus points will be awarded for those areas participating in the project.

Veteran NNO Areas: Don't forget to announce your results from "Project 365" and also designate a new target for 2011.

What Types of 'Problem Areas' should we consider for "Project 365"?

It is completely up to each individual NNO coordinating agency or organization. Select a crime or safety related problem that when removed, will help to make your community, neighborhood or block a safer, more desirable place in which to live. Most importantly, from Night Out to Night Out, document the results.

Initially, the suggestion would be to start small. Designate a problem or problem area that has a reasonable chance of being resolved or eliminated. Here are just a few suggestions:

• A park plagued by crime, drug dealers, underage drinking, etc.
• A poorly lit corner where crime and drugs are prevalent.
• Expand the number of Neighborhood Watch groups in your community. Target those neighborhoods that have been traditionally tough to organize.
• Residential burglary. Pick a section of your community that is having a problem. Implement an auto theft protection program. Track the results.
• Robbery. Select a section of stores that have been hit recently. Institute a robbery reduction plan and track the results.
• Clean up a "problem area". Remove illegal trash piles, broken bottles, graffiti, abandoned cars, trash-filled vacant lots. A year long clean-up campaign can help reduce or eliminate existing problems.

In Your NNO 2010 Preliminary Agenda and Post Project Report...

1. State the location and nature of the problem.

2. Outline your "Project 365" objectives and course of action.

3. As you progress, remember to document the results.

4. Veteran NNO areas: Announce results from 2009-2010!