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National Night Out ‘25

National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that enhances the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of community.

We know that when Jesus talked about “neighbors” in Matthew 22:36-40, he meant more than simply “the person living on our street.” But isn’t our street a great place to start? National Night Out is a simple and fun way to engage with people in our neighborhoods that could lead to incredible connections, an invitation to church, prayer or so much more!

If your neighborhood does not already have a NNO, host one on August 5! We'll equip you with a hosting kit that will be available for pickup starting the weekend of July 26/27! Sign up for a hosting kit today!

Steps to Hosting

The National Night Out or Night to Unite began in 1984 with a celebrated focus on law enforcement and other civic organizations, bridging out to their citizens for the sake of building relationships and preventing crime.

The below steps include mere suggestions on how to plan for the evening:

1
Find out if someone in your area has already registered for an event (e.g., contact your local police department or city hall, visit neighbors, search on Nextdoor.com or Facebook, etc.).
2
If you decide to register for an event, decide where to have it (e.g., in the frontyard, blocking off the entire street, at the local park, etc.).
3
Register your event with River Valley Church to receive a Host Kit!
4
Enlist the help of others, especially fellow-believers (when possible), in planning the evening and assigning responsibilities (e.g., icebreakers for adults, activities for adults/children, food/refreshments, setup of any chairs or tables, any music, trash cleanup, etc.).
5
Request the local police department, K-9 department, fire department, and/or EMTs to make an appearance.
6
Publicize it beforehand (e.g., advertise through an HOA, post on Facebook, and/or download and distribute the flyers provided by the city or the police department; or create your own flyers).
7
Consider providing name tags, sharpies, and signup sheets to get basic personal info.
8
Enjoy God’s good gifts around the start of new relationships, and prayerfully dream about ways to pursue sustainable outcomes!

Additional Ideas

Invite local law enforcement, firefighters, or city officials to come visit. Many cities have special programs for this event and can bring out equipment they use to show to children. Fire trucks are always a big hit!
Bring in a Kona Ice truck or a food truck for the neighborhood to enjoy together.
Keep it simple. The goal of the event is to get outside, make connections, and get to know each other.
Have sidewalk chalk and outdoor games ready to help connect kids in the neighborhood.

Register here by July 31!