Principles: Forming a Civic League
Excitement
and energy continue to mount within Norfolk's more than 120 unique
neighborhoods. Residents are showing more care and concern
for the growth and prosperity of their neighborhood. Individual
community involvement is at an all time high; the number and participation
of Norfolk civic leagues continues to rapidly increase.
With these factors in mind,
the Bureau of Community Outreach has released a list of
guiding principles for those interested in forming or revitalizing
a Norfolk civic league.
Guiding Principles
Boundaries
By-Laws
Official
City Registration
Boundaries
The geographic boundaries shall be
defined by the organization and adopted through its by-laws. These
boundaries should not encompass or encroach upon the area of another
established civic organization. The
Geographical Information System
(GIS) Neighborhood Mapper can be used to assist in determining
specific boundary lines. The proposed designated boundaries shall be
reviewed and approved as part of the process of establishing a civic
association.
BY-LAWs
By-laws are a set of guidelines or
rules adopted by an organization chiefly for the government of its
members and the regulation of its affairs. Norfolk civic league
by-laws should include, but are not limited to the following
information:
|
Name |
The
group organizing the civic organization shall establish its name.
|
|
Purpose |
The
purpose of the organization shall be such that it promotes the
participation of residents in activities that pertain to the
health, safety and general welfare of the designated
neighborhood. The proposed group should strive to promote a
spirit of cooperation with other organizations for the betterment
of Norfolks neighborhoods.
|
|
Boundaries |
Geographic boundaries shall be defined by the organization and
adopted through its by-laws. The boundaries shall not encompass
or encroach upon the area of another established civic
organization. The proposed designated boundaries shall be
reviewed and approved by the City of Norfolk as part of the
process of establishing a Norfolk civic league.
|
|
Membership |
The
organization must have a minimum of 10 members, that
demographically represent the designated area. Factors to
consider when establishing membership are:
- have majority of the
proposed associations members living or operating a business in
the neighborhood;
- not discriminate on the
basis of race, gender, religion or ethnicity;
- actively seek membership
from the designated neighborhood;
- have member demographics
that represent the neighborhood.
|
|
Officers |
The
officers of the civic association shall be defined by the by-laws
and must have at least an elected president and vice-president.
It is strongly encouraged that the officers be democratically
elected by the organization members.
|
|
Meetings |
Norfolk
civic leagues meetings must be held on a bi-monthly basis at a
minimum, although year-round, monthly meetings are encouraged.
|
official registration
Once boundaries
and bylaws have been established, the neighborhood group is invited
to register with the Bureau of Community Outreach. Once
registered, the civic league will receive regular news and information
from the City of Norfolk, as well as up-to-date opportunities and
resources for their neighborhood. Click
here to register today !
 To
learn more about establishing a Norfolk civic league or view sample
by-laws, please contact the Bureau of
Community Outreach. |
