PCO Block Representatives
Mission, Responsibilities, and Guidelines
We define “block” as one side of a street from one end corner to the next end corner.
A block rep may represent one block or a section of multiple adjoining blocks, depending
on the size and population of the block, and how many blocks the rep feels he/she can
capably represent.
The purpose of the block representative is to communicate and enable the *mission of the
PCO within their block, and to serve as the liaison between the PCO and the residents of
their block.
*The purposes for which the Parkridge Community Organization is organized include:
(A) To provide the residents of Parkridge a forum for expressing their views on issues
and concerns affecting the Parkridge neighborhood and the Knoxville area.
(B) To assist the City of Knoxville in planning and providing for community development
and municipal services in the Parkridge neighborhood.
(C) To fight the problems and conditions of urban blight in the Parkridge neighborhood
by developing programs and strategies for housing rehabilitation, improving living conditions,
and enhancing the physical appearance of the neighborhood.
Responsibilities of a Block Representative
1. Learn the names and family units of everyone on your block.
Serve your block as the:
1. Hospitality Liaison. Identify new neighbors moving into your block. Welcome
them with a “welcome wagon” packet, and invite them to the next PCO meeting.
2. Communication liaison.
A. Distribute PCO information “welcome” packet to each household
B. Make neighbors aware of the mission, recent activities, and upcoming plans of
the PCO.
C. Distribute PCO flyers/newsletters
D. On behalf of PCO, conduct a survey of each (willing) household for purposes of
community building, emergency preparedness, interest in PCO committees,
neighborhood concerns, special needs, and potential resources.
E. Serve as a “voice” representing the concerns and suggestions of the residents on
the block to the PCO.
Potentially (currently optional; potentially in the future, with training; could also opt to
delegate these areas to other individuals on the block)
3. Care Liaison.
A. Identify any special needs in the home. (new baby, illness, disability, elderly,
language barrier, temporary aid needed for housing, food, etc.)
B. Coordinate response care among the neighbors on the block and/or alert *PCO
Care Coordinator for additional resources if needed.
4. Emergency Preparedness Coordinator. In the event of an emergency or disaster,
be prepared to lead and assist your neighbors.
5. Social Coordinator. Model and encourage social events within your block. (porch
parties, cookouts, yard sales, block cleanups, etc.)
*PCO Care Coordinator—a point person, knowledgeable about existing city/county/nonprofit resources (likely a social worker), who can serve as an advisor to Block Reps as
needed on behalf of their neighbors. This person currently has not been identified.
Guidelines for Serving as a Block Representative
1. Be informed. Attend the PCO meetings. Stay abreast of PCO activities via the PCO
website/calendar.
2. Be knowledgeable. Attend relevant training meetings as provided.
3. Be positive. Maintain a constructive tone on behalf of the PCO, and on behalf of each
neighbor. (Emphasize solution-seeking and potential.)
4. Be inclusive and hospitable.
5. Be sensitive to the privacy and personal boundaries of your neighbors, and of
yourself.
6. Be aware of community resources; make referrals as needed, or ask for help.
7. Be attentive to your personal safety and the safety of others.
8. Be supportive. Seek to empower your neighbor, respectfully encouraging them to
become active participants in the PCO mission.
9. Be present and available. (If you are often out of town or seldom home, this role is
not a good fit for you.)