It's time to get ready for National Night Out 2006! This is your invitation to organize a block party in your neighborhood

1. Block Party Guide Click here to download this fun and informative guide to successful neighborhood parties!

2. When is National Night Out? National Night Out is on Tuesday, August 1, 2006 between 7:00 pm and 9:00 pm. It is always held the first Tuesday in August.

3. What is National Night Out? National Night Out is the nation's night out against crime. Sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch, residents are encouraged to join with their neighbors to have a neighborhood block party, ice cream social or other outdoor event to build neighborhood spirit and unity - which is the first defense against crime. Research shows that when neighbors know each other and look out for each other crime goes down.

4. How can I register? Register your party online, or contact Brenda Ivey with the Oakland Police Department at 238-3091. The deadline to register is 5:00 pm on Friday, July 21st. Only registered groups will be eligible for a visit! Please provide the following information: * Name of party host * Organization, if any * Home, work and mobile telephone numbers of host * Street Address, including City, State, Zip of host * E-mail address of host * Name of co-host, if any * Home, work and mobile telephone numbers of co-host * Approximate start and end time of your event * Approximately # of adults expected * Approximately # children expected * This is our (1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc.) NNO Celebration * Do you plan to block off your street? * If yes, state where you street will be blocked off (i.e. specific address/cross streets) * Please note, if you plan to block off your street, you will NOT need to obtain a block party permit or complete a petition this year. Notifying us at the time of registration is sufficient.

5. Who can host a National Night Out party? The City of Oakland welcomes the participation of any neighborhood or community group in National Night Out, and encourages you to utilize this event as a way to bring people together and to have fun! City of Oakland elected officials, police officers, and city employees enjoy visiting National Night Out events as a way to strengthen the ties between residents and the Oakland Police Department. This year every party will receive at least one visit from a team of city officials, police officers, or city employees, so register early!

6. I've never organized a block party before. How do I do it? It is easy, see #1, above, and download the Block Party Guide!