By: Louis Darrouzet
The Metroplex Civic and Business Association (MCBA) in the 3 years since its founding has become a cornerstone of the Dallas-Fort Worth business community. With over 130 member companies employing more than 10,000 residents, the MCBA is making significant headway on its mission to ensure the continued success and prosperity of the citizens, charities, and businesses in the Metroplex. We’re motivated by a desire to create a thriving, interconnected community where businesses and local charities work hand-in-hand to foster growth, give back, and build a better future for all of us.
As the younger generations enter the workforce, research continues to show that they want to work for companies that support giving and volunteering. At the MCBA, we make it easier for companies to be charitable by connecting Dallas-Fort Worth businesses with local nonprofits, thus streamlining the process of volunteering and charitable giving for our member companies and their employees.
Through our proven processes and innovative tools, we provide an easy pathway for companies to find opportunities for their leaders and employees to get involved in the Dallas community. One of our newest and impactful initiatives is the Adopt-A-Block (AAB) program, a city-wide project designed to keep Dallas clean and restore pride in our shared public spaces.
Adopt-A-Block (AAB) is the change we want to see in our cities. As our streets get dirtier and more litter accumulates, fewer people seem concerned about maintaining cleanliness in our shared spaces, and it doesn’t seem to be getting any better. The City of Dallas plans to gradually phase out alley trash collection making it more likely that we’ll have an increased amount of trash on our streets. This loss of pride in our environment is a problem the MCBA plans to solve with our Adopt-A-Block program.
The program works by soliciting companies to adopt and clean up specific city blocks in our community. We provide all the practical guidance and support needed to get started, and thanks to generous donors, we are in a position to cover all of the initial costs associated with a company’s clean-up efforts. The process is straightforward: interested companies complete a grant inquiry form, participate in a brief information call, and then submit a grant application. Upon approval, AAB provides the necessary funds and information to purchase startup supplies such as trash bags, gloves, grabbers, safety vests, and hand sanitizer.
AAB not only addresses the immediate need for cleaner streets but also fosters a sense of community pride and responsibility. By taking ownership of a block, businesses contribute directly to the well-being of their neighborhoods, making them more attractive places to live and work. “We want to give back to the city that has given so much to us, and making Dallas a more beautiful place through landscaping is what we do. Beautiful landscapes are good for business and so are clean streets. It just makes sense to partner with Adopt A Block” said Jason Craven, CEO of Southern Botanical.
The visible impact of these efforts often inspires others in the community, whether it be individuals or other businesses, to take similar actions, creating a ripple effect that amplifies AAB’s impact. Furthermore, the program encourages a collaborative spirit among participating businesses which leads to stronger relationships and a more unified close-knit community.
The benefits of the Adopt-A-Block program extend far beyond the immediate impact on the city’s cleanliness. To date, AAB businesses have removed over 2,000 gallons of trash from Dallas streets. With the City of Dallas having difficulty effectively managing its trash collection services, going so far as to stop alley trash pick-up, there is an increasing need for community-led efforts like AAB to keep our city clean and prevent the accumulation of garbage on our streets.
However, the advantages of AAB are not limited to just the improvements in our local environment. Companies that have participated in the AAB program report that the clean-up events are some of the ideal team-building exercises they have ever experienced. Employees from different departments, who might not typically interact with one another at work, have the opportunity to come together and bond over a common goal. This camaraderie often extends beyond the clean-up events, with teams frequently heading to happy hour afterward to celebrate a job well done, talk about the experience, and build upon the relationships they made during the clean-up. Through AAB, businesses not only contribute to a cleaner city but also foster both a stronger company culture and employee relationships.
Participating in AAB also allows companies to showcase their commitment to the city they serve. This public demonstration of a company’s dedication to improving the community helps build a good reputation, attract customers who value socially responsible businesses, and even boosts employee morale and retention. Moreover, by contributing to a cleaner city, you help create a more appealing environment for residents and visitors alike, making your area a more inviting place to do business. As Adopt-A-Block pattern Mr. Craven said, “Dallas has a unique business climate and has had a history of great business leaders that give back to the city. I’m so proud to see how our city has grown culturally over the past 20 years.”
The Adopt-A-Block program is a growing movement, with more and more businesses signing up to make a difference in the Metroplex. Becoming a part of Adopt-A-Block means becoming a part of a community dedicated to positive change. Together, we can restore pride in our public parks and shared spaces, enhance the beauty of our city, and create a cleaner, brighter future for Dallas. Sign up today and take the first step towards making a lasting impact on the environment and community of Dallas.
Published by: Martin De Juan
