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National Night Out. Tuesday, 5 Aug 03
I would encourage all U.S. citizens to take part in their neighborhoods.
If all become involved, then maybe people like Che and Albert won't get bullied.
National Night Out 2002 is Largest Ever; Millions Celebrate a Stronger, Safer America
WYNNEWOOD, Pa -- Citizens, law enforcement agencies, community groups, businesses and local officials from 9,850 communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities and military bases worldwide joined forces on August 6th to mark the 19th Annual "National Night Out" (NNO) - an annual crime prevention event sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch (NATW).
Nationally, 33.3 million people participated in 'America's Night Out Against Crime' this year.
"A combination of September 11th - and the recent, high-profile kidnappings - really created a surge of new registrations from communities nationwide," said Matt Peskin, creator of the event and National Project Coordinator. "People are looking for ways to get involved and to help make their communities safer places. National Night Out proved to be a great vehicle to help Americans become motivated, educated and involved in the safety of their homes and communities."
In a White House message to the National Association of Town Watch, President George Bush said, "I am pleased to send greeting to the millions of Americans participating in the 19th Annual National Night Out." "As we face the challenges of a new era, it is important that we continue to build a culture of service and responsibility in America. In that spirit, National Night Out provides a unique opportunity for citizens to prevent crime by promoting civic awareness and strengthening partnerships between neighborhoods and their local police."
The President added, "I commend participants for standing up against crime and for being actively involved in your communities." "I also applaud NATW and law enforcement officials for encouraging community-based crime prevention efforts."
Between 7 and 10 p.m., along with the traditional 'lights on' and front porch vigils, there were thousands of crime prevention block parties, cookouts, ice cream socials, parades, neighborhood visits by local police and sheriff's departments, flashlight walks, safety fairs, poster and essay contests, and neighborhood meetings.
"I've been around this campaign from the beginning and I cannot remember a year when there has been this much intensity surrounding the event," Peskin said.
National Night Out is designed to:
Heighten crime, drug and violence prevention awareness;
Generate support for, and participation in, local anticrime programs;
Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships;
Send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.
Along with nearly every major U.S. city, NNO 2002 involved thousands of suburban and rural communities.
National Night Out is sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch - in partnership with the Bureau of Justice Assistance, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice.
Agencies and organizations that did not officially register with NATW for National Night Out 2002 should go to the registration section on this site to get on the priority mailing list for the "20th Annual National Night Out" which will culminate on August 6th. You can also call 1-800-NITE-OUT for additional information.
Contact:
Matt Peskin, National Project Coordinator / 610-649-7055
Email:
info@natw.org
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