December, 1996
The Kipling News
From the staff of the Sense of Community Project at Michigan State University.

 
Kipling’s Sense of Community

Greetings residents of Kipling! Thank you for participating in our survey a few months ago. The purpose of the survey was to see how strong of a "sense of community" exists on your block. Here’s what you said...
 
 
 


 
 
 

 

 Belonging and Connection

Many of you indicated that you feel connected to each other and that you belong on Kipling. Here are the results:

  • Residents on the block know each other (90% agreed).
  • People who live on the block think of themselves as a community (84% agreed).
  • People on the block feel isolated from each other (84% disagreed).
  • People on the block feel connected to each other (74% agreed).
  • People on the block trust each other (95% disagreed).
  • People feel they belong on Kipling (95% agreed).
  • People on this block like each other (90% agreed).
 2                                                                                                    The Kipling News
Support, Recycling, and Participation on Kipling. 

The majority of you (95%) agreed with the statement, "People on this block watch out for each other." In addition, 80% said that people on Kipling would give rides to each other if needed. Seventy-four percent said that people take care of each others’ plants, pets, and kids. Additionally, 95% of you indicated that people on this block participate in community improvement activities and the curbside recycling program. Congratulations!

Neighbors are Friendly 

When asked the question, "What is it that you feel contributes most to your sense of community on your block?," almost all of you mentioned your neighbors and the fact that you work together to improve the block. In addition, most of you said that the appearance of the block and the friendliness of the neighbors are the best thing about living on Kipling.

 Overall Sense of Community

The overall sense of community on Kipling appears to be very positive. Ninety percent of you told us that the overall sense of community on Kipling is "just about right." Eighty-four percent of you said Kipling is a safe block to walk on at night. In addition, 90% of you said that you are interested in working together to improve the block conditions. Residents on Kipling seem to care about their block and are willing to be active with each other.
 
 


 
 
 

Once again, we appreciate the time that each of you took to participate in our survey and to let us know a little bit about yourselves. If you have any questions about this survey, please feel free to contact John Schweitzer at 353-9144, Michigan State University, Urban Affairs Programs.