Block Captain Network
Connecting Neighbors Block by Block
MNA developed a community-wide Block Captain Network to foster camaraderie among Mueller neighbors through communications, social activities and one-on-one connections. All Mueller residential areas are in a designated “block.” Volunteer block captains typically live within their block’s boundaries. Find your block by clicking on the Google Map.
Block Captain Network leaders organize coffee chats, networking, training and other activities to support block captains and engage with Mueller community residents. Block captains also receive monthly MNA information to share with their block’s residents.
Block Captain Network Co-Chairs
Taylor Youngblood
Saamiya Seraj
Christine Langa
Have a question, want to volunteer, or apply for a community grant? Fill out the form below or send us an email and we’ll get back to you. Thanks!
Using the Block Captain Network Google Map
Click on your address in the map to see your block’s boundaries and block captain information.
Double-click on the highlighted area for your address to enlarge the image.
View a list of all blocks by clicking on the small box in the left corner of the bar above the map.
Block Captain FAQs
What is my “block?”
Each block is a section of 20 to 30 homes in an area on a Google map. The blocks were designed to enhance neighbors’ interactions. They are not always a literal city block.
What are my responsibilities?
At a minimum block captains gather contact information of their block’s residents and share the list only among those individuals. This simple act alone contributes greatly to communication between neighbors.
You can choose how to communicate with your block: email, text, chat apps, Facebook and WhatsApp are commonly used tools. As the primary connection between MNA and your block, you’ll receive MNA information to send your block, typically a monthly newsletter about events.
Being a block captain is meant to be fun! For example, some block captains welcome new neighbors and coordinate social gatherings to build community. However, these activities are at your discretion and comfort level.
What is my commitment, and how much time does this take?
You can be a block captain for as long as you want. Some captains have served more than 10 years, while others are brand new. You can work with friends too; several blocks have two captains and one even has three. You can put in as much time as you want. Just let the network co-chairs know if you’d like to make a change.
Do I have to host a party?
No. You do what you are comfortable with and what is of interest to your block. Maybe you enjoy collecting contact information and sharing Mueller events. Perhaps another person on your block loves to socialize and is willing to coordinate a gathering. Sharing duties and ideas gets more people involved and plays to each person’s strengths and time availability.
Do I need permission to host a block party?
The answer depends on where you are having it. You don’t need permission for events in an alley or home (check with your apartment complex for their guidelines), but as a courtesy notify neighbors and neighboring blocks that may be affected in advance. If you want to block off a city street you will need City of Austin permission; the co-chairs can help with the process. If you want to use a Mueller park or pool, you will need POA permission; the co-chairs can help with that, too.
How do I meet my neighbors?
Knocking on doors is the most effective method. If you have an MNA or Mueller shirt, wearing it can help with branding and putting neighbors at ease. Leaving door hangings or talking to neighbors outside are other good methods. You can even try sending a note or letter by mail to neighbors you can’t get in touch with.
What if I can’t get contact information for everyone on my block?
That’s okay, do your best. Some neighbors won’t respond, so just meet people where they are right now. If neighbors aren’t ready to engage, be ready to respect that.
I’m a renter, can I be a block captain?
Yes! Whether you live in an apartment, condo, row home or yard home — everyone is encouraged to join the Block Captain Network and get connected.
What resources are available?
Block captains have a lot of resources on how to connect, party ideas, and more. The co-chairs try to make it as easy and enjoyable as possible for you to connect with your neighbors.
What if there’s already a block captain?
If you already have a block captain but want to help more, you can reach out to your block captain or to the Block Captain Network. There are lots of opportunities to get involved as part of the larger committee, like working with apartment managers to share information on MNA events and working with realtors to help new residents transition into Mueller.
Volunteer to be a Block Captain
Volunteer block captains are the heart of MNA’s Block Captain Network. As a block captain, you’ll get to meet your neighbors and help them connect with one another. If your block has a captain and you’d like to volunteer to help, there are plenty of opportunities such as co-captaining, block walking, supporting block activities and managing communications.
As a block captain, you’ll have a lot of flexibility in how you carry out the role. Typically, block captains connect with everyone in their block, welcome new neighbors, organize social activities and share MNA information. Block captains can decide how they want to communicate and may ask block residents what works best for them, such as emails, texts, chat apps such as WhatsApp, or private social media accounts such as Facebook.
MNA offers a limited number of community grants (link to community grants page and form) each year to help fund inclusive social activities such as block parties, picnics, family festivities, game nights and holiday celebrations. Activities can be limited to block residents or open to the entire Mueller community.