In an effort to learn why more neighbors aren’t joining the organization, the Gentilly Terrace and Gardens Improvement Association conducted a survey for members and non-members last August.
GT&GIA hosted their first meeting of the year last Thursday (Jan. 8), where they discussed survey results, action teams in the neighborhood, and potential new events that Gentilly Terrace could host.
Board member Leslie Bouie said the survey was made to assess why people in the neighborhood are not joining the association. She was pleased with the survey’s reach, with 41 of the 95 participants being non-members.
Survey questions found information about how long people have lived in the neighborhood, what their opinion of membership dues are, and what new guest speakers or events could be added to the association’s meeting programming.
At the meeting, members proposed ideas for events and activities that could get other neighbors involved. This included presentations on city zoning ordinances, a neighborhood crime camera field trip for watching live footage, and a back to school raffle ticket activity.
Board member Brandon Gregoire suggested they bring in experts on human trafficking or domestic violence, as a way to discuss more broad New Orleans issues.
In reviewing the status of their action teams, like the Safety and Quality of Life team and the Historic District Determination team, President Norm Whitley noted that the Zone and Blight team did not meet as a committee last year due to schedule conflicts. He also let attendees know that anyone from any neighborhood in New Orleans can join their action teams.
“We want to be the organization you want,” Whitley said.
Other ideas to increase membership included adding more cultural events like Cinco De Mayo to the calendar. People also suggested providing child activities for younger parents in the community.
GT&GIA meets the second Wednesday of every month at 6:30 p.m. All meetings take place at Audubon Gentilly School, 4720 Painters St. To learn more or to get involved gentillyterrace.org. for more information.
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