CITIZEN ACTION 565 



make application to a settlement house, or, if not in an area served 

 by a settlement house, to the Neighborhood Garden Association. 

 The man or woman presenting the application usually becomes the 

 garden block leader, a position of considerable responsibility. There 

 must be at least 80 percent participation within the block. Usually 

 everybody joins. The boxes must be made by the men and boys 

 on the block, or boxes with the stamp of approval of the Association 

 may be purchased. 



The members of the sponsoring garden clubs provide the flow- 

 ers for the first two years, bring them in on a designated day, show 

 the people how to plant and care for them, leave a seal to be 

 put in the window, and take a continuing interest in the block. 

 After two years the block becomes an independent block and is re- 

 sponsible for carrying on its own program. It remains a member 

 of the Association and is eligible for awards and all privileges. 



There has been heartening growth each year. From 7 blocks 

 in 1953, there are now, in 1965, 452 garden blocks, the equivalent 

 of 45 miles. 



In depressed areas where the people were completely apathetic to 

 their surroundings the Neighborhood Garden Association has been 

 able to instill new spirit and morale. The program has taught 

 neighbors to work cooperatively together to improve their com- 

 munity. It has developed leaders in areas where there had been 

 little opportunity for constructive leadership, and it has helped people 

 to grow into an awareness of their responsibilities as concerned citi- 

 zens. It has fostered friendship and understanding between people 

 of diverse nationalities and races. And, through the organization 

 of an urban 4-H Club, the program has created opportunities for 

 boys and girls to use their hands constructively rather than 

 destructively. 



During the past 12 years the work of the Neighborhood Garden 

 Associations has had a tremendous influence upon the lives and the 

 environment of more than 150,000 people in the blighted areas of 

 Philadelphia. The flowers have brought more than beauty for the 

 eye to enjoy. They have given the mind a new vision to grasp. They 

 have been as a torch to the spirit, kindling in the hearts of the people 

 a striving for a better way of life. 



Visitors have come from many sections to see and learn about the 

 garden blocks, and many other cities have already started projects. 

 What has been done in Philadelphia can be done in any town or city 

 in America. 



