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I'm a den leader also
Glenn,
I'm also a den leader for Pack 173. As I've been talking about this with many neighbors, not one who has wanted the entrance signs posted has intended this to mean cub scouts, etc. Especially, those that are RRC residents. Also, it is generally recognized that ''No Solicitation'' postings are aimed at commercial activities and the solicitation of funds (i.e. asking for donations). If we put up signs and internally communicate that the intent is primarily aimed at deterring external solicitation, I don't think there will be a problem for your scouts (or mine). Those that do not wish to have ANY solicitation, can then differentiate by also installing their own individual sign as well. Our scouts should definitely respect the individual signage. My 2 cents.
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I like your idea
I think your idea about a permits is good. I believe that the Harrisburg policy under review right now includes a provision where solicitors will have to register (and perhaps pay a fee) so that they will have some sort of badge (permit) to show residents. I'm sure we could figure out a way to do this internally as well. Perhaps kids and organizations like the PTO could let the neighborhood know in the newsletter when they intend to be out and about?
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No Solicitation
I strongly encourage the community to adopt the no solicitation policy for our neighborhood. There is NO reason for us to have uninvited adults walking through the neighborhood amongst our children. I see no reason to accept retailers who come to our homes. If we are interested in a product or service, we, the consumers, need to initiate the transaction. I expect that the majority of cases of fraud and crime are initiated by the purpetrator.
Obviously, there have been some recent vandalism that appears to be linked to a peddler. We as a community should not offer this opportunity. The other day, two men came to our door trying to sell some service. My wife was home alone with our four children. She did not feel comfortable opening the door to two strange men, especially with the recent events that have occured from a solicitator. Most likely, they were completely innocent, however, there is no reason for her to make that assumption. She spoke to them through the glass and they were clearly irritated/offended. There is no reason why she should be in that akward position...her only options were to be foolish and open the door or impolite by showing such an obvious distrust. In either option, it is uncomfortable.
It should be fairly easy to post this type of restriction plainly at the entrances to the neighborhood, while inviting children who live in the neighborhood to continue to be active in their normal fund raising efforts. Perhaps this could be included on the signage and/or expressed through the existing communications to the community. These include:
1) The community newsletter - We could have a standard block of text welcoming children of the community to participate in fund raising events.
2) The quarterly billing for the HOA related dues. Each bill could have a special message explaining this policy.
3) All internet 'forums' related to the neighborhood could have verbage to discuss the policy.
I do believe it is an important learning opportunity for our children to take the responsibility to raise money. I don't however believe that there is any reason for a stranger to be making a living by knocking on our doors. Once I leave the neighborhood and enter an area that is zoned for retail activity, it is fair game, but when I come into the neighborhood, I expect to be able to relax amongst only friends and family.
Regards,
Chris
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No Solicitation sign.
I would love to have a No Solicitation sign for our neighborhood. Just had one yesterday as soon as we sat down to dinner.
Also, any thought to not allow ''Student Drivers'' to come through the neighborhood? We have a lot of children playing and if they are student drivers, their reflexes aren't quite there yet. I live on a back cul-de-sac so it's really not a big deal for me or my neighbors. Just thinking of other areas of the neighborhood. Just a thought.
By Mark A. Salmon
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