Night to Unite

Interested in Hosting a Night to Unite Party?

Night to Unite is a great opportunity to meet City staff, leadership, and Councilmembers, as they will be visiting as many parties as possible during the event. 

Here are a few steps to plan a Night to Unite Party

Step 1: Decide to Get Involved

A Night to Unite party is a great opportunity to bring neighbors together. Neighbors who know each other and agree to watch out for suspicious behavior are a great defense against crime.

• Night to Unite is a good reason for neighbors to join together to start building relationships with each other.
• A Night to Unite party can be as simple as turning your outside lights on, locking your door, and inviting neighbors over. In some neighborhoods, these parties have evolved into block parties, cookouts, and potlucks – with food, music, games, and prizes. 
• Neighborhoods can take part in the biggest crime prevention event in Minnesota in their own way.

Step 2: Party Planning

Plan a party that fits your neighborhood, block, street, multifamily housing complex, etc. No two neighborhoods are the same and your party can reflect that. Participate in any kind of event that suits you and your neighbors.

Have a meeting about party planning. Even the simplest party requires some planning. Plus, a planning meeting is a great way to get others involved.

Some questions to ask:

• How will you involve children? Our youth bring great energy and enthusiasm to Night to Unite parties. This is an opportunity to get all ages involved with Night to Unite planning. Involving children and teens can also have a great long-term benefit for your neighborhood. 
• Where will you hold your event? Driveway/garage, lawn or park, vacant lot, parking lot, multifamily housing complex gathering area.

Figure out the details. 

• Will the party have food and refreshments?
• What kind and who will provide it (cookout or potluck)?
• Will the party have entertainment?
• Is there an interest in featuring individual or group activities?
• Can responsibilities be divided among neighbors?

Step 3: Make Sure You Have Materials

Find helpful materials below to promote your party

• Door Hangers
• Party Notices (flyer)
• Coloring pages to handout to kids at the party

We will also host a Supply Pickup event at the IGH Police Department (8150 Barbara Ave), where you can pick up the items listed above, as well as yard signs. Date and time: TBD. 

Step 4: Invite Neighbors

Now that you have the materials, make sure to use them to invite your neighbors to your party!

• Put up your yard sign
  1. Didn't get one at the pickup event? Make your own!
• Make sure your door hangers and/or party notices have been filled out with the specifics about your party. Then make copies.
  1. We recommend you hand out the materials at least one week prior to the Night to Unite date. 
• You can also use Word of Mouth. Tell everyone in your area about the upcoming event.

Step 5: Give Back to the Community

Your party can also make a difference for community members in need by collecting donations to benefit local organizations. The following organizations collect supplies and distribute them throughout IGH:

Neighbors, Inc.– Operates a food shelf in South St. Paul. They provide food items to a growing number of people in northern Dakota County.

• Most needed food shelf items: Clickable link coming soon
• Click to learn other ways to donate

360 Communities – Operates two Lewis House Shelters that provide emergency housing and assistance to individuals and families escaping from domestic or sexual violence.

• Most needed personal care items:  2022 Most Needed Personal Care Items
• Click to learn other ways to donate 

Step 6: Most Important...Have Fun!

Have some name tags for those who may not know everyone at the event. Snap some pictures to share on social media and/or to create a digital Night to Unite photo book for the neighborhood. Don't forget to tag us on Facebook: @cityofinvergroveheights, @IGHParks, @IGHPDMN, @IGHFDMN

Gather email addresses of neighbors to keep in touch and to help promote and plan future Night to Unite events.

Enjoy the party!