Eastside Rise and Tulsa Global District are empowering east Tulsans to work together to improve their neighborhoods through the Neighborhood Network, an eight-week, bilingual leadership and civic engagement program. 

After weeks of brainstorming and engagement, the cohort identified a pressing challenge for the neighborhood: yard work. Many homeowners struggle with the costs and time associated with lawn upkeep and are unable to prevent code violations. To lend a helping hand to neighbors in need, the Neighborhood Network’s inaugural cohort proposed a volunteer-led beautification initiative. 

Members of the cohort will establish a community council to develop the initiative’s details, strategize and fund its implementation, and engage volunteers and residents. The council will identify neighborhood issues and connect residents to existing resources, working hand-in-hand with volunteers and city officials. By Spring 2026, the volunteer program should be underway for yards in the Disney, Cooper, Columbus and Magic Circle neighborhoods. 

Supported by  Eastside Rise, Tulsa Global District and Tulsa Area United Way, the cohort’s project not only demonstrates a solution-based approach to a neighborhood-wide issue, but also encourages connection between community members and civic engagement. 

By establishing the Neighborhood Network program, Eastside Rise hopes to build knowledge and leadership capacity among neighbors to enable them to advocate effectively for their community and come together to solve problems and forge connections. 

Learn more about Eastside Rise and the Neighborhood Network on their website.