Question: When will National Night Out take place this year?

Answer:National Night Out 2011 will culminate on August 2nd, 2011 (Texas will celebrate on October 4th, 2011). The official registration process will begin in early to mid-February. You must register each year! If you were registered with us last year, you will receive a Registration Form in the mail in February. If you were not registered last year, please go to the registration page on this site where you can register online.

Question: How can we use the National Night Out logo?

Answer: The "National Night Out" name, logos, marks, and themes are registered trademarks of NATW. In accordance with federal regulations, the name or logo may not be used on any wearables or any other promotional products. NNO logos and related artwork may be used with flyers, posters, newsletters, PSA's, etc. Use by any commercial, for-profit company, except for recognized and approved NATW/NNO sponsors is strictly prohibited.

Please see the Trademark Fact Sheet for more information on authorized usage.

Question: When should we begin organizing?

Answer: As soon as possible! The best NNO programs are those that begin their planning well in advance of the event. Ideally, NNO planning committees should contain a cross-section of organizations representing both public and private sectors.

Question: When is the best time to order NNO Promotional Products?

Answer: As early as you can-and before June 16th, if at all possible. This will assure pre-NNO delivery and product availability. Several coordinators were shut out last year because they waited too long to order.

Tip: Secure funding for promo items now. Don't wait until the last minute...Last year, several NNO items were sold out by early July. For larger purchases such as the NNO Knight costume, seek grant funding and/or the support of local companies now.

Question: Is 'NNO' just for already established neighborhood watch areas?

Answer: No! NNO is for all blocks and neighborhoods in your community. Existing 'Watch' areas will likely be your best participants-but you'll find that NNO will help you to get to those 'tough to organize' areas. NNO is most effective when it is an area-wide effort.

Question: Can we begin our activities earlier than 7 p.m.?

Answer: Certainly. The 7 to 10 p.m. listed hours are a suggested national timeframe. Some areas, however, begin at noon, some during the late afternoon, and some at 6 p.m. Tailor the day/night to best accommodate your community. Early starts are fine. Late starts (past 7 p.m.) though can be a problem because residents will have already settled into other evening activities.

Question: How do we enter the competition for NNO awards?

Answer: A description of the Awards Program - including guidelines for entering the annual competition-is available online. If you follow the suggestions outlined, you should have no problem developing your report.

Question: The sun does not set in our area until about 9 p.m. Does that matter?

Answer: No. The fact that the sun does not set until a particular time should not affect the scheduling of your activities. The illumination of porch lights is symbolic. They can be on at 7 or 8 p.m.-regardless of whether or not darkness has fallen.

Question: Should individual blocks register with NATW also - or should we register them locally?

Answer: In most cases, there's no need to have individual blocks register separately with NATW if you have already registered the city/area/community. If you are working with an exceptionally large area, or if there is some reason that you are unable to communicate effectively with your participants, then have them register individually. Call the NATW office if you have any questions.

Question: I am the officer in charge of coordinating NNO. What is the best way for me to keep track of what our various blocks and neighborhoods are planning for that night?

Answer: One effective way is to develop a "Participation Form" (or "Pledge Form") to distribute to block captain, neighborhood watch leaders and other local coordinators. Instruct participants to list activities that they are planning; where; what time; approximately how many people; etc. Set a date for which the form must be returned to you (e.g. several weeks in advance of NNO). As an incentive to get the forms filled out and returned, you could include a question asking if the block wants a visit from an officer that night. Or, use that questionnaire as the basis for a local contest. A completed form must be returned to be eligible.

Tip: Keep notes on where the best 'celebrations' and events are being planned. Use this information when preparing your press releases. It's best to provide the media with a list of suggested blocks and/or events to visit. Also, use this list to develop the schedule for police/sheriff department visits that night.

Question: Is there a NNO radio public service announcement (PSA) available?

Answer: Please see the order form for an excellent NATIONAL NIGHT OUT radio PSA. The CD includes a :30 and :60 second spot with a voice-over on and similar spots without voice-overs. You can use the spot "as is" or add your local message. A radio station or recording studio will assist you. All you have to do is get it to the radio stations in your area and encourage them to place it in their programming schedule about a month or so before NNO.

Question: Do public power systems have to register separately with NATW?

Answer: Yes! There is an electric utility sponsorship program for both investor-owned and public power companies. Invite a representative from your electric company to call or write Matt Peskin at the NATW office (1-800-NITE-OUT) for information.

Question: When should we announce our plans for "Project 365" to the media?

Answer: A suggestion would be to include "Project 365" information in your primary press announcements on (or around) NNO. Describe the project, outline your goals, and emphasize your target date for completion. Let them know that at that time that you'll also be announcing a new target area for the following year.

Question: How can our group become a member of NATW?

Answer: See the online NATW Membership Application, or call 1-800-NITE-OUT and ask to have a membership brochure sent to you. (Join now and receive a free gift-and special 'Member Only' discounts on this year's great selection of official NNO promotional products.)

Question: How can we help to get neighboring cities and towns involved in NNO?

Answer: Encourage a representative to contact the NATW office. Or, contact NATW yourself and ask for additional NNO Registration forms. Encourage interested representatives to visit www.nationalnightout.org. Your assistance will be greatly appreciated!