WHAT'S THE BLOCK
LEADER PROGRAM?
WHAT DO BLOCK
LEADERS DO?
WHAT ARE THE
RESPONSIBILITIES OF A BLOCK LEADER?
WHAT OPPORTUNITIES
ARE AVAILABLE TO BLOCK LEADERS?
HOW DO I VOLUNTEER?
BLOCK LEADER
NEWSLETTER
RELATED LINKS
WHAT'S THE BLOCK LEADER PROGRAM?
The Block Leader Program is an initiative by the Town to educate its citizens about conservation. Block Leaders are citizens who volunteer to distribute information about a variety of conservation issues affecting our Town—primarily water conservation, but information is also offered on recycling, garbage collection, and other services provided by the Department of Public Works and Utilities.
Block Leaders choose the size of their "block," which can include only the homes on their street, homes on neighboring streets, or homes within their subdivision. The information they provide to their neighbors helps residents make informed choices about conservation. Block Leaders do not solicit anything from their neighbors, nor do they monitor their neighbors’ water use. They simply are grassroots communicators who distribute conservation information and materials, and serve as resources for their neighbors.
Throughout the nation, block leader programs have been used to support curbside recycling.
CARY IS THE ONLY MUNICIPALITY IN THE COUNTRY TO INCLUDE BLOCK LEADERS IN ITS WATER CONSERVATION PROGRAM.
With a network of nearly 200 volunteers, Block Leaders are making a difference in conserving our natural resources. In 1999, Block Leaders distributed information to nearly 4,000 homes--approximately 17% of Cary's solid waste customers. The Town provides materials for volunteers to distribute to their neighbors. Each year Block Leaders pick up their packets at one of the many orientation sessions held throughout the spring and early summer. At their earliest convenience, Block Leaders deliver packets to neighbors within their block. Some volunteers leave the information at the doorstep, some personally hand it to their neighbors, and others make it available at neighborhood gatherings.
Block Leaders are a network of residents dedicated to environmental education, not members of a water police force.
WHAT ARE THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF A BLOCK LEADER?
Block Leaders are required to attend a one-hour workshop. Workshops are held throughout the spring and summer on various days and at various times. Volunteers may choose the most convenient day, time, and location.
During the workshop, Block Leaders learn about the summer’s educational campaign, practical water saving tips, and the many resources available to them through the Department of Public Works and Utilities.
WHAT OPPORTUNITIES ARE AVAILABLE TO BLOCK LEADERS?
Block Leaders and their friends are welcome to attend additional free and specially designed workshops on a variety of topics: landscaping with native plants, indoor plumbing, recycling dos and don’ts, irrigation, and composting. These workshops, conducted by Town staff and local experts, are opportunities for fun and camaraderie. Block Leaders also may take tours of the Cary/Apex Water Treatment Facility and the North Cary Water Reclamation Facility. Town staff keeps Block Leaders informed of relevant developments and pertinent issues through "The Block Leader Network News," a quarterly newsletter, and through e-mail.
To volunteer as a Block Leader contact Marie DelForge, Conservation Assistant at 469-4387 or mdelforg@ci.cary.nc.us
Town of Cary's "When to Water" Website
Town of Cary's "Recycling" Website
Block Leader Workshops and Tours
Conserve Because You CAN
Town
of Cary Water Conservation Program
Department
of Public Works and Utilities
www.townofcary.org
(919)
469-4090