1. I know ____________ neighbors on my
block.
a. Zero (why bother, I'm never
home anyway)
b. 1-4
c. 5-10
d. 11 or more
|
2. When a new neighbor moves onto my
block, I
a. wouldn't know that they are
new.
b. request that they cut down
the large weeping willow tree in their yard that
has been perpetuating the annoying squirrel
problem in the area.
c. introduce myself and give my
phone number in case of an emergency.
d. bring over a
Good Neighbors Welcome Bag and welcome them
to the neighborhood.
|
3. If my neighbor and I have a conflict
that I don't think we can resolve on our own, I
a. Leave harassing phone
messages and prepare to sell the house.
b. Avoid addressing the conflict
until emotions are extremely high.
c. Hold a neighborhood meeting
to establish mutual expectations in the
neighborhood.
d. Consider asking for
assistance from
Student Legal
Services (if EIU Student) or contact City of
Charleston for advice.
|
4. When I park my car,
a. I park on my front lawn.
b. Speed into the neighborhood
with my stereo blasting before parking in front
of a neighbor's house.
c. I park in front of a
neighbor's house but am careful to turn my
stereo down so as to not disturb them.
d. I park in my garage,
driveway, or in front of my own house.
|
5. When I leave on vacation, I
a. Don't tell a soul…nobody will
notice that I'm gone anyway.
b. Make sure the automatic
sprinkler system is on.
c. Leave a phone number where I
can be reached in an emergency with a
trustworthy neighbor.
d. Arrange with a neighbor for
the lawn to be mowed, plants watered, and/or
snow shoveled. I also leave emergency phone
numbers, house keys, and travel plans with
neighbors.
|
6. My dog
a. Barks 24 hours a day.
b. Gets accused by other
neighbors of barking. I, however, am convinced
that it is not MY Rosco who is causing the
problem.
c. Is generally quiet and well
behaved unless the doorbell rings or the mailman
comes.
d. Is always on a leash and
picked up after on walks.
|
7. My yard could be described as:
a. Yard? Do you mean the
junkyard?
b. The Sherwood Forest: It'll be
nice once I mow the grass and cut down these
overgrown branches.
c. Acceptable: it's as well kept
as the other yards on my block.
d. The Garden of Eden: I've won
the "pride in property" award 4 consecutive
years.
|
8. When I hear of meetings or activities
happening in my neighborhood, I
a. Crumple up the notice left on
my door and throw it into my front yard.
b. Half-heartedly try to
convince my spouse to attend so that we don't
look bad.
c. Attend and do the best I can
to help organize.
d. Run the meetings, host the
garage sale, and infect others with my
contagious enthusiasm.
|
9. I would describe my neighborhood as a
place where
a. I sleep (and occasionally
pick up a ticket from the City of Charleston)
b. Most people can be assured
that they won't get any of their personal
possessions stolen.
c. I can relax.
d. I feel connected and valued.
This is my favorite place to spend my time.
|
10. If I am hosting a party at my house
late at night, I
a. Expect to receive a noise
ticket from the city. Who can control all of
these people anyway?
b. Call the non emergency police
number (348-5221) if things get too out of
control.
c. Leave neighbors with a phone
number where our sober host can be contacted if
they are disturbed.
d.
Notify neighbors in advance, identify a sober
host at the party, control the number of people
invited to the party, and monitor guests as
they arrive and leave the house. I also check in
with neighbors after the party to make sure that
the noise level was acceptable to them.
Back to Top |
Add up your score! Give
yourself:
0 points for every "A"
1 point for every "B"
2 points for every "C"
3 points for every "D"
|
| Assess what kind of
neighbor you are:
0-19 Points: A good neighbor in training
You are on the road to being a good neighbor, but
you do have a little work to do before you will feel
truly connected to the people who live around you.
One of the first steps that you can take to being a
great neighbor is to get to know your neighbors.
Even if you have been living in your
house/apartment, etc. for a while, it is never to
late to meet those around you! You may also want to
familiarize yourself with local codes and ordinances
that apply to you as a City of Charleston community
member. Contact the Good Neighbors Office
(217-581-7786) today to get resources that will help
you on your journey to good neighborliness!!!
20-23 Points: A good neighbor
You understand that being a good neighbor can make
you feel more connected to those around you. Now you
just need to fine tune your knowledge and skills at
neighborliness! Some opportunities that you might
consider include attending a neighborhood meeting to
learn about issues occurring in your neighborhood,
inviting your neighbors to a dinner or BBQ, and
familiarizing yourself with local codes and
ordinances regarding noise, weeds, and rubbish.
Contact the Good Neighbors Office (217-581-7786)
for more ideas of how to improve your neighboring
skills!
24-26 points: A great neighbor
You are committed to doing the right thing and being
a good neighbor. It's people like you, grassroots
leaders doing the little things day after day, that
make our neighborhoods wonderful! Keep up the good
work! The Good Neighbors Office (581-7786) can
provide you with more information and opportunities
for expanding the programs, events, and community
feeling in your neighborhood. Contact us for ideas!
27-30 points: A true patriot! Run for
City office!
You know exactly what it takes to build community in
your neighborhood. Share your knowledge and
enthusiasm with other neighbors on your block. If
you need ideas for neighborhood activities that
could bring you and your neighbors even closer
together, please contact the Good Neighbors Office
(581-7786)! |
| Back to Top
Please note: The above quiz is for informational
and entertainment purposes only. Nothing
contained herein should be constructed as legal
advice from Eastern Illinois University. If
you have any questions regarding your legal
obligations or responsibilities, please contact
EIU's Student Legal Services. |