National Night Out: Building Stronger Communities Together

National Night Out (NNO) has become a tradition in neighborhoods across Northern America, fostering unity, safety, and camaraderie among residents and law enforcement. But do you know how it all began?

Back in 1970 Philadelphia, Matt Peskin was a volunteer with his local community watch program. While searching for articles to fill his own neighborhood newsletter, he discovered the need for a shared platform for neighborhood watches and community programs to exchange information. Peskin's vision led to the creation of the National Association of Town Watch (NATW) in 1981, which laid the groundwork for NNO's in 1984.

Since then, NNO has blossomed into an annual event celebrated by millions, with communities coming together on the first Tuesday of August to strengthen bonds and promote crime prevention. In 2023, over 16,800 communities across the nation registered for block parties and events.

Here in California, 298 enthusiastic cities are members of NNO. According to Oakland’s website, 350 block parties were registered for the 2023 event.

The evolution of NATW continues. The organization is pioneering resources for dog walkers through their Dog Walker Watch program. This initiative empowers dog walkers to effectively observe and report suspicious behavior, further enhancing the safety net within communities.

As we gear up for this year's NNO, let's remember the vision of Matt Peskin, and celebrate our own Community Police Officer (CPO), Officer Sumptner and the Maxwell Park volunteers who have dedicated themselves to building a safer, more connected neighborhood. Whether you're hosting a block party, attending one, or simply spreading the word, your participation makes a difference in strengthening the fabric of Maxwell Park.

Let's join hands (and paws) on August 6 for National Night Out and continue the legacy of building safer, stronger communities together.