Greendykes Neighbourhood Association
What is a Neighbourhood Association?
We have had neighbourhood associations in Greater Craigmillar for over 20 years. Previously it was just tenant associations, but with the changes that included Housing Association tenants, Council tenants and Homeowners, we thought that people identify themselves by where they live (neighbourhood) rather than by who owns their house. It gives people the opportunity to have a say and hopefully influence what
happens in their community. It has a constitution that states the aims and objectives and governs how they operate.
Why have a Neighbourhood Association?
It is very much a unifying body that gives people a collective voice to identify issues that matter to them and go about finding solutions. All landlords like the Council and Housing Associations are required to recognise registered tenants’ organisations (RTO’s) but because tenures are now mixed, homeowners can have a say as part of this group. Many of the issues affect everybody in the neighbourhood but some people feel that they cannot complain because they fear not being taken seriously or worse ignored. It is very difficult for statutory bodies and landlords to ignore an organised group. It is also a way of connecting friends and neighbours and finding out how other people are feeling about the area. As a collective voice representing the area, statutory bodies must take account of what residents say.
Purpose of this first meeting is to?
- Find out if people are interested in forming a Neighbourhood Association?
- If agreed, vote on and agree a constitution, establish a committee and identify and agree the priorities for the group.
Rules for setting up a neighbourhood association
The governance of the group is directed by the constitution which is a simple document that states how the group will operate e.g. democratically, open to everyone and transparent and give details of how and where meetings should be conducted. It states how many committee members and office bearers are required and should be open and transparent in how it operates. An Annual General Meeting is held every year to review the activities and elect a committee for the next year.
Electing a committee
The committee is democratically elected from eligible candidates and must be committed to furthering the aims and objectives of the association. They are there to represent members interests and are usually elected for one year.