Org Community Organization: Glendale, New Term Paper

Whereas in 1990, ninety percent of the population was native born, it has been found that in just ten years and at the 2000 Census, that over fifty percent of the population in Glendale and Queens is foreign born (Glendale Area Population, 1 and Montefinise, 1). Whereas much of the population was white or black before are now increasingly Hispanic and Asian. Angela Montefinise writes, "Hispanics are moving into areas like Glendale, Middle Village and Jackson Heights, which used to havens for Italians, Germans, Irish and other working class immigrant populations" (3). These ethnic whites have moved eat or out of the State of New York entirely. Montefinise elaborates that more and more people from Caribbean nations and South Asia are moving into Glendale along with people from India and Pakistan (3). These are the changes seen in recent demographic studies. What is important for not only community managers (politicians and administrators) to realize is that with demographic change come new needs. It is important for the town of Glendale to study these needs and take appropriate action to implement change in programs. This may mean changing existing services but also may warrant new services to add value for these people.

Community Project

One such project that looks to be creating an environment of diversity and harmony while adhering to their main objective of aiding the Glendale Police Department is the group called G-Cop or Glendale Citizens on Patrol. It is volunteer-based but actively recruits via the Internet for equal representation of the town's demographics. This group acts to create a united front against crime and mobilizes groups to cover not only Glendale but also Maspeth and Middle Village to provide a watchdog for the community.This has led directly to a reduction in certain types of crimes in largely ethic areas. These crimes include burglary, graffiti art, public drunkenness and street racing. The aim is to keep the street safe for the public but to also create a harmony among neighbors. Another facet of their organization is counseling the vandals convicted in Queens Criminal Court and supervising the community service. The organization has remained successful for over twenty-five years and remains so because it does not turn its back on a volunteer. Because of their actions, the police department has been able to free-up four patrol cars better used for emergency purposes.

Conclusion

This paper examined the community of Glendale, New York, which is located within Queens, New York. This paper looked at the strengths and resources the community of Glendale, New York has to offer its inhabitants. This paper also discussed the possible weaknesses within these public services and looked at possible problems being caused by these weaknesses. This included looking at the needs of the neighborhood and possible ways in which to improve upon services already addressing these needs. This paper also offered a look at the demographics of the community including discussion of the size and composition of the town's population. Finally this paper described a community-organizing project that has been put into action as a means of creating solutions for community problems.

Works Cited

Glendale Area Population Statistics in 1990. 30 May 2005 http://www.queenslibrary/demographics_1990.asp.

Kleniewski, Nancy. Cities, Change and Conflict: A Political Economy of Urban Life. Geneseo, New York: State University of New York, 1996.

Montefinise, Angela. "Queens by the Numbers." Queens Tribune on the Web 25 Dec. 2003.

30 May 2005 http://www.queenstribune.com/weekly/122503..

Seyfried, Vincent. Encyclopedia.....