1. Write head-honcho politicians: Send letters to Washington. Write to your Congressperson, Senator—and even the President. And don't forget about the local bigwigs—the mayor, city council, and folks in the state capitol. Tell them that fellow football-heads care, that healthy neighborhoods are important to kids and that you hope that they will do whatever they can to make your neighborhood (and every neighborhood) a healthy, safe place to grow up.
2. Throw a block party: Around a holiday or anytime to celebrate the people and things that make your neighborhood special. You'll get a chance to really know what they're about. Ask your neighbors to help with food and decorations and ideas about how to make your neighborhood an even better place to live.
3. Spread the word of the 'hood: Interview the interesting, fun or special people in your neighborhood. Find out if there is a neighborhood association that already publishes a community newsletter and ask to contribute a regular kids column. Otherwise, start your own—put it online, or distribute it around the community.
4. Take a stand: Want to make a real difference in your 'hood? Volunteering with a nonprofit organization can be a great way. Your local government and neighborhood churches/religious organizations are also a good resource for ideas about where to volunteer.
5. Become an investigator: Grab a parent and take a walk around your neighborhood. You might see things that are cool and things that are not so cool or even dangerous. Share what you uncover with your friends, and the leaders in your community.
6. Get your school working for you: Ask how your school is involved in making your neighborhood safe and fun, and talk to school leaders about launching after school projects that will help to make it even better.
7. Get them to clean up their acts: Pick a park or trashy lot that needs some cleaning up and get your friends and neighbors out there cleaning. Think about what this space could be—a community garden? A field for soccer or football? You can make it happen!
8. Get the biz on your side: Local businesses want a healthy, safe neighborhood too. They may be willing to donate supplies for your efforts or to help out in other ways. Offer to work with them to plant flowers or trees to make the neighborhood look good.
9. Talk the talk: Okay, they may not always get it, but your parents, older siblings, neighbors, teachers, and other adults can be your best allies. Tell them what you think about your neighborhood, encourage them to get involved, and ask them for help with your plans.
10. Play it cool: You've heard this before but it affects your 'hood too. Cigarettes, drugs and alcohol can make a place unsafe and uncool. Take a stand to play it cool and stay away from stuff that's illegal.

For more info you can visit www.neighborhoodcoalition.org.