Block Leadership
Building Community, One Block at a Time
Good neighborhoods are those where neighbors work together on common concerns and look out for each other. Block leaders take extra steps to connect neighbors and build community -- helping our neighborhoods to be safer, healthier, and happier.
The Block Leader Program teaches residents how to get to know neighbors and organize activities so neighbors can more easily communicate. Block leaders receive updates on neighborhood activities and services and are vital links between City Hall and the neighborhoods.
Going forward, the Block Leader program will take an iterative, continuous improvement approach. As we identify opportunities to increase the program’s participation and efficacy, focus groups will pilot potential changes. If successful, these changes will be implemented within the broader program.
Apply to become a Block Leader through the Volunteer Portal!
Should I join Block Leaders or Neighborhood Watch?
Its up to you! Both Block Leaders and Neighborhood Watch members stay informed with bimonthly emails. However, Block Leaders go the extra mile to build a sense of community and are asked to attend at least one meeting per year, host a neighborhood gathering, and share information with their community.
Number of Active Block Leaders:141 (Updated 5/10/2023)
What is REACH?
REACH (Raising Emergency Awareness of Community Hazards) is a part of the City Inclement Weather protocol. When weather represents at least a “moderate” risk (as designated by NWS), volunteers are sent a copy of the situation report along with risks, impacts, and preparedness information, with subject line "ACTION REQUESTED". Volunteers are encouraged to share this information with their community, and confirm that they have done so. If weather is designated a major or extreme risk, volunteers are expected to disseminate the REACH messaging (subject line "ACTION REQUIRED") and report message spread through an online form.
Cupertino's Block Leader Program is the proud recipient of the National League of Cities’ NBC/LEO 2015 City Cultural Diversity Award and the League of California Cities 2010 Helen Putnam Award for Enhancing Public Trust, Ethics, and Community Involvement.
What is Our Impact?
| Message Type* |
Date |
Number of Informed Individuals (Reported by Block Leaders) |
| Weather Alert |
12/8/2022 |
2400 individuals reached by 75 Block Leaders** |
| Weather Alert |
1/3/2023 |
3948 individuals reached by 29 Block Leaders |
| Weather Alert |
1/6/2023 |
4716 individuals reached by 40 Block Leaders |
| Weather Alert |
2/14/2023 |
1073 individuals reached by 25 Block Leaders |
| Weather Alert |
2/21/2023 |
2945 individuals reached by 45 Block Leaders |
| Weather Alert |
3/8/2023 |
4038 individuals reach by 55 Block Leaders |
| Weather Alert |
3/13/2023 |
2459 individuals reached by 31 Block Leaders |
| Weather Alert |
3/20/2023 |
4171 individuals reached by 46 Block Leaders |
Block Leaders are asked to spread important messages to their communities as part of the REACH (Raising Emergency Awareness of Community Hazards) program. Data was not collected for messages and alerts sent prior to November 2022. In November 2022, we started experimenting with ways to measure our performance. Beginning with the December 8th message, we asked volunteers to confirm that they had received the message, if they had shared the message with their community, and how many people they had shared the message with.
We are continually looking for ways to improve the Block Leader program so the metrics you see here may change.
*To view past messages check the newsletter archive.
**Also includes Neighborhood Watch captains, does not include members of the Cupertino Citizen Corps (CARES, CERT, and MRC)