Sunnyside United Neighborhood Network, Inc.

Who We Are:

SUNN is a nonprofit community organization working to create a better, more harmonious Sunnyside through activities such as graffiti-removal, crime prevention and neighborhood beautification. We work closely with the police, residents, businesses, religious organizations and government officials. Our catchment area extends from 39th to 52nd Streets, and from Barnett Avenue to Queens Blvd.

What We Do:

We sponsor Neighborhood Cleanup Days during which volunteers remove and paint over graffiti on buildings, mailboxes, store gates and other fixtures. In partnership with the Postal Service, we help residents to "adopt" mailboxes in the community, supplying them with special paint to keep them graffiti-free. For property owners, we offer low-cost power washing services. And we work with schools and youth groups to educate kids about the problem. You may have seen the results of our labors around the neighborhood: freshly-painted store gates and walls, graffiti-free building and new trees along 48th Street.

Our Strategy:

The best way to manage graffiti is to remove or paint over it as soon as it appears. For this reason, we equip residents and business owners with paint and supplies to cover over any new "tags" which may appear on their property. You may have spotted some of our volunteers doing such touch-up work in our area on store gates, walls or mailboxes. With brick or masonry surfaces, we employ a power washer, then apply a chemical sealant that makes the removal of future graffiti a breeze. This strategy works! Graffiti "artists" want people to see the fruits of their labors. As soon as the notice their handiwork promptly disappearing, they move on.

But Isn't Graffiti a "Victimless Crime" - And a Form of Art?

Graffiti hurts property values, discourages shopping, and creates a climate of lawlessness in a community. All of us pay the price for it. And while some graffiti may show imagination and artistic ability, a quick look around our area will reveal mostly illegible scrawls. Tolerating such behavior definitely sends the wrong message to young people.

 What We Can Do For You:

• For property owners. If you're located within our catchment area, we can power wash and seal the brick or masonry surfaces of your building. All you'll pay for is the cost of the supplies.
• For businesspeople. SUNN will help paint your store gates, and can supply you with paint to keep the front of your business looking great. A graffiti-free shopping area is good for business.
• For residents. If you are tired of looking at graffiti in your area, consider becoming a volunteer with us. We'll provide supplies and training. Don't get mad. Get a brush and start painting!
• For religious and civic groups. Our activities make great community service projects for your members, especially young people. Some of our hardest-working volunteers come from church youth groups.

How You Can Help:

• Become a volunteer. Adopt a mailbox or other street fixture in your area. Distribute literature. Talk to local business owners.
• Donate goods, services or funds. Many local businesses have been enthusiastic supporters of SUNN, supplying everything from paint to scaffolding to lunches for hungry volunteers.
• Talk to your kids! Let them know that graffiti is a crime (you'll be surprised how many young people are unaware that it's illegal).

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How To Contact Us: Just send a message to tony@sunnysideunited.com
Tony Rohling - President

Copyright 2003 SUNN, Inc.