The greatest strength of our work lies in the development of the residents whom we organize. MVOC organizers primarily develop grassroots leaders through direct involvement in the creation and implementation of strategies to create local change. This usually begins with participation in a neighborhood association or block club, where leaders are trained to run their own planning and strategy meetings, public actions, and press conferences.
Since 2008, MVOC has doubled the number of active neighborhood groups in Youngstown from 19 to 45. In Warren, the number of active neighborhood groups has grown from four to 12. Our organizers have also begun providing support to new community groups in Boardman, Campbell, Hubbard, Niles, and Struthers. To find your local neighborhood association or block watch, click here. If you would like help starting a new group in your neighborhood, please contact MVOC at 330-743-1196.
South Side Board Up
Written by Administrator
Thursday, 18 October 2012 20:04
Neighborhood group members from across the city meet at 717 E. Avondale Ave to learn how to cut, paint and board vacant homes in the city. The event was hosted by the 7th Ward Citizens Coalition with assistance provided by the Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corporation. Idora Neighborhood Association resident Kevin Handel assisted with the board preparation training.
WCC Cleans Up Youngstown
Written by Administrator
Saturday, 14 July 2012 00:00
Members of Youngstown's West Side Citizens Coalition spend a Saturday cleaning up Mahoning Avenue. Residents, neighborhood groups, and businesses participated in the group's second-annual event. Watch the video blog here:
Rocky Ridge Celebrates Founding Anniversary
Written by Administrator
Thursday, 28 June 2012 00:00
Rocky Ridge Neighborhood Association on Youngstown's west side celebrates its two-year anniversary with a community picnic. Watch the video blog here:
60 Newport Residents Hold City Accountable
Written by Administrator
Monday, 28 November 2011 17:50
On April 17th, 2012, residents of the Newport Neighborhood Association and members of the Martin Luther Lutheran Church gathered in the fellowship hall of Martin Luther to hold a public meeting addressing community issues including vacant housing, blight, and crime. Reports of other sides of town having demolitions without seemingly the same priority given to Newport fueled the conversation. Invitations were issued to the Mayor, Chief of Staff, Youngstown Police Department, and 5th Ward City Councilman. Councilman Paul Drennen, Housing and Code Director Maureen OʼNeil, YPD Officer McKnight, and City Law Director Anthony Farris (representing the Mayorʼs office) joined the residents. Propositions were made regarding demolition priority, increased street visibility and police cooperation, and equal representation for all 5th Ward citizens by our shared councilperson.
Pastor Paul Heine, president of the Newport Neighborhood Association, issued the propositions to the city officers and councilmen. Tension increased as the audience began to vocalized their emotions when a slide show of stable, vulnerable, and blighted homes that must be demolished for health and safety reasons. Within one week, the Mayor contacted Pastor Heine and voiced his commitment to working with the residents in Newport. Progress is being made, but this is only the beginning!
Campaigns 
The greatest strength of our work lies in the development of the residents whom we organize. MVOC organizers primarily develop grassroots leaders through direct involvement in the creation and implementation of strategies to create local change. This usually begins with participation in a neighborhood association or block club, where leaders are trained to run their own planning and strategy meetings, public actions, and press conferences.