Rochester needs more block parties. Here's what one group is doing to help.

This year's Leadership Greater Rochester team wants to help connect the community one block at a time.

The group — made up of 30 local professionals — will use its community improvement project to support relationship-building in neighborhoods. Efforts will include working with RNeighbors to assemble a "neighborhood toolkit" and purchasing a trailer to fill with supplies needed to host a neighborhood block party. Rochester Park and Recreation is also assisting on the project.

According to the LGR team, the project will assist with the city's efforts to become a more inclusive community:

A report from United Way, along with data collected from a series of community conversations in 2016, found that people in Rochester feel disconnected, and sometimes isolated. One of the big reasons was simply not knowing their neighbors. Further interviews with local business owners, representatives from local non-profits, and other stakeholders also reaffirmed that our community has a need for connection.  

The group is now looking for financial and in-kind donations to help bring their project to life. You can track their efforts here.

LGR is a comprehensive 10-month leadership development course provided by the Rochester Chamber of Commerce Foundation.

Cover photo: 2015 / Porchfest in Kutzky Park / Med City Beat