National Association of Town Watch (NATW) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the development and promotion of various crime prevention programs including neighborhood watch groups, law enforcement agencies, state and regional crime prevention associations, businesses, civic groups, and individuals, devoted to safer communities. The nations premiere crime prevention network works with law enforcement officials and civilian leaders to keep crime watch volunteers informed, interested, involved and motivated. Since 1981, NATW continues to serve thousands of members across the nation.

The introduction of National Night Out, "America's Night Out Against Crime", in 1984 began an effort to promote involvement in crime prevention activities, police-community partnerships, neighborhood camaraderie and send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back. NATW's National Night Out program culminates annually, on the first Tuesday of August (In Texas, the first Tuesday of October).

NATW's Executive Director, Matt Peskin introduced National Night Out in 1984.The first National Night Out took place on Tuesday, August 7th 1984. That first year, 2.5 million Americans took part across 400 communities in 23 states.

National Night Out now involves over 37.8 million people and 16,124 communities from all fifty states, U.S. Territories, Canadian cities, and military bases worldwide.

The traditional "lights on" campaign and symbolic front porch vigils turned into a celebration across America with various events and activities including, but not limited to, block parties, cookouts, parades, visits from emergency personnel, rallies and marches, exhibits, youth events, safety demonstrations and seminars, in effort to heighten awareness and enhance community relations. Monday, August 4th is this year's National Night Out.  

  

The 3-2-1 countdown has become a philosophy for everything in life - get ready, get set, and go! This attitude can help you successfully tackle any challenges you face in life. The process begins with a mental decision, followed by physical action and completes with an emotional commitment.

Think about time time's you've decided to make a significant change in your life, such as starting a new business or creating the ultimate wedding day. If you succeeded, it was because you first clearly defined your goal. To get mentally prepared, define your goal in your mind. Visualize the goal in as much detail as possible, write it down and set a realistic time frame with both short-term goals and the ultimate goal. Assemble a support system of positive people (or at least one person) who keep you on track. To guarantee success, find the meaningful motivation behind your goal. When your goal is really important to you, you will stick with it.

You're probably familiar with the phrase, "Use it or lose it." Your body is an amazing vessel that houses both your mind and your spirit, so it is important to keep it in working order. To take action on goals or in facing challenges, you need to prepare your body to rise to the occasion. That means connecting your mind to your body and creating a healthy relationship between the two. Getting your body in shape helps you think clearly, make better decisions and respond to life's challenges more effectively.  

To prepare physically, schedule a minimum exercise time of 30 minutes per day at least five days a week. An hour is even better. Try to balance workouts to include cardiovascular aerobic exercise, core workouts, and weight training. You can turn regular daily activities into exercise by choosing the stairs rather than the elevator, taking a walk at lunch rather than sitting for an hour or walking to the convenience store instead of driving. Pick activities you really enjoy, such as dancing, hiking, tennis, bowling, or yoga. Whether your workout time is 30 minutes straight or an accumulation during the course of the day, getting your body moving is essential to being physically set.

Emotions can wreak havoc on the best of intentions. It is essential that as we jump into action, we are emotionally ready to handle what happens next.

To go forward emotionally, create a quiet time each day to be with yourself. This time doesn't necessarily need to include meditation, but should simply allow you to connect to your inner spirit and your feelings. Loving yourself is at the heart of positive self-esteem, courage, and tenacity. Practice believing in yourself. In your quiet time and throughout the day, say, "I love me" and "Yes, I can." These words will come true. Wisely choose the people with whom you associate. Honor your feelings to make the best decisions that support your goals and your success.