Block Connector Program

The Challenge

British Columbians are vulnerable to earthquakes, wildfires, floods, tsunamis, a changing climate, and severe weather. Many of us are also vulnerable to stresses related to aging, low income, or health challenges.

One crucial factor underlies all of these challenges: the more socially isolated we are, the more vulnerable we become.

The Connect & Prepare Solution

Connect & Prepare is a project by Building Resilient Neighbourhoods, a nonprofit that works with citizens, groups, and local governments to enhance community resilience. It fosters social connections among neighbours and promotes shared emergency preparedness, delivered in collaboration with local partners.

Good Neighbour Kitsilano is partnering with Building Resilient Neighbourhoods to deliver this innovative program in our community. The Connect & Prepare Block Connector Cohort is a neighbour-to-neighbour initiative that helps build a stronger, more connected Kitsilano that is ready to respond together in an emergency.

As a Block Connector, you will bring neighbours together, strengthen ties with community and government, and help make sure no one gets left behind.

Overview of the Connect & Prepare Block Connector Program

Through a series of four interactive gatherings, you will build a strong network of neighbours helping neighbours and strengthen connections with community and government to create a coordinated, grassroots emergency response.

Program Gatherings

• June 11: Gathering 1 – Connecting Neighbours to Prepare Together, Part I
  Discover how social connections build emergency readiness, learn key program goals, get tools to engage neighbours, and connect with fellow Block Connectors.
• July 9: Gathering 2 – Connecting Neighbours to Prepare Together, Part II
  Get group coaching, strengthen facilitation skills, and practice creating a preparedness plan with your neighbours.
• August 13: Gathering 3 – Connecting Neighbours & Community to Prepare Together
  Explore ways to sustain action, build emergency communication skills, map community assets, and practice response through real-life scenarios.
• October 8: Gathering 4 – Connecting Neighbours & Government to Prepare Together
  Connect with community and government partners to explore how neighbours and officials can prepare together.

What Will You Do as a Block Connector?

• Attend four Connect & Prepare interactive gatherings
• Invite a neighbour to join you in this experience
• Engage your neighbours to map assets and develop an emergency preparedness plan
• Liaise with your building or property manager to secure their support
• Join the Connect & Prepare Block Connector Cohort WhatsApp group to share your progress, questions, and challenges, and keep each other accountable
• Share photos, videos, and stories of impact
• Participate in the evaluation

What Will You Bring to the Block Connector Cohort?

• Another neighbour to work with. It is more effective, and more fun, to connect with the help of a friend
• Willingness to engage with your building manager or property owner and get their support to put up posters or use a common area
• A commitment to fulfill the requirements of the program
• Your skills and talents
• Most importantly, a passion for bringing people together

What Will You Receive?

• A Block Connector Kit to make connecting easier
• Training and coaching
• Program materials such as emergency preparedness checklists, guides to build neighbour-to-neighbour emergency systems, asset-mapping tools, and more
• A $100 convening micro-grant to help cover refreshments and other costs for neighbour gatherings
• A community of like-minded neighbourhood heroes