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

 
Lawdor’s Sense of Community

Greetings residents of Lawdor! 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.  There was a 78% response rate. 

Here’s what you said...
 
 


Belonging and Connection

Many of you said that you felt connected to each other and that you belonged on Lawdor. Here are some results:

  • Residents on the block know each other (71% agreed).
  • People who live on the block think of themselves as a community (71% agreed).
  • People on the block feel isolated from each other (71% disagreed).
  • People on the block feel they belong here (71% agreed).
  • Residents don’t care about the block’s future (100% disagreed).


 


 2                                                                                                   The Lawdor News
Support and Recycling on Lawdor

The majority of you (86%) agreed with the statement, "People on this block watch out for each other." In addition, 71% said that people on Lawdor would give rides to each other if needed. Sixty-four percent said that people take care of each others’ plants, pets, and kids. Additionally, 100% of you indicated that people on this block participate in the curbside recycling program. Congratulations!

Neighbors are Friendly 

When asked the questions, "What is the best thing about living on this block?," and "What is it that you feel contributes most to your sense of community on your block?," almost everyone mentioned their neighbors. Some common responses were that "neighbors watch out for each other" and "neighbors are friendly." In addition, a few people mentioned that having children on the block made a difference in the sense of community.
 

Overall Sense of Community

The overall sense of community on Lawdor generally appears to be positive. Sixty-two percent of you told us that the overall sense of community on Viola is "just about right." However, 38% said that there is "too little" sense of community. Residents told us that getting more involved would help to increase it. Just over half of you (54%) indicated that you either liked or loved living on Lawdor. A fairly high number (69%) said that you would be willing to work with your neighbors to improve conditions on the block. An overwhelmingly high number (92%) said that you would be willing to assume a leadership role on the block. This is a very positive response!
 



 

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.