Hammerhead slept in until 6:15, this morning, but leaped out of bed with an idea for a symbol to represent PetalumaNET (2.0), so he woke up Eagle-Eyes and asked, “What do you think about this? It’s a STOOL. Yup, another acronym has been created and Eagle-Eyes, thought it would get your attention. (BTW, this stool has four-legs, not three.)
Regular readers of Bill’s Blog on Petaluma360 are familiar with the PetalumaNet (1.0) logo that includes four human figures surrounding a computer monitor imposed on a globe. It symbolizes that people can connect effectively through greater use of telecommunications and computer technology. Me, Myself & I selected that symbol in 1995 and will still use it in connection with the promotion of STOOL, because it will take human beings to the next level of using information and communication technology more efficiently and economically. The new symbol – a four-legged stool will represent Neighborhood Enhancement or Empowerment Teams – NETs. But, what is a STOOL?
S = Sparkplug – someone who ignites the interest of his neighborhood
T = Together – Sparkplug brings neighborhood together through face-to-face meetings.
O = Our name – the groups selects a name for their local neighborhood group
O = Online – an online conference board is created for the neighbors to communicate
L = Local – the group identifies their three top neighborhood needs or concerns.
You’re right! Petaluma already has examples of NETs. Many of them were created as part of the CERT+NERT+ALERT initiative that was launched during a meeting of the Petaluma CyberCity Roundtable (a PetalumaNet 1.0 project) shortly after Hurricane Katrina in 2005. To date, the most active NERTs have been Belle View, Oak Hill and Hagstroms. The are other local neighborhood associations and action groups, like Paula Lane, LaTercera Park, and the Petaluma Neighborhood Association, that bring neighbors together to address common needs.
Our four-legged STOOL model works! It’s steady and can be put together easily. All it takes is a Sparkplug to bring his/her neighbors together in a face-to-face meeting in order to become better acquainted and to identify their top three local concerns and to develop a plan of collaborative action. (Take your pick from a list of current topics: graffiti, vandalism, abandoned shopping carts, lack of recreation areas or disaster preparedness.)
It’s interesting to note that the City of Petaluma has just announced the appointment of a “Neighborhood Preservation Coordinator” who will”plan, organize, manage, and direct a comprehensive neighborhood preservation and enhancement program ensuring compliance with federal, state, and city codes, ordinances and regulations. Educate, listen, and respond to issues and facilitate resolution of problems, concerns, and complaints.”That’s good news! Perhaps a “top-down” and a “bottom-up” cooperative endeavor will produce unbelievable results. We’ll see. Stay tuned. Better yet; if you already have an active Neighborhood Action Group, please e-mail that information to whammer@petalumanet.org for future reference.