3D CAC IS TRANSFORMING COMMUNITIES
Become a 3D CAC Block Captain
Your Block. Your Voice. Your Impact.
One neighbor can change an entire block. Turn the instinct to notice, care, and connect into trained, organized community impact.
This Is More Than Volunteering
This Is a Neighborhood Leadership Movement
Every Block Captain becomes part of a growing network of residents who believe safer neighborhoods begin with stronger relationships.
Whether you are a lifelong resident, renter, homeowner, business owner, student, retiree, faith leader, or neighborhood advocate, you have something valuable to contribute. Together, we are building the future of community leadership across Washington, DC’s Third District.
The 3D CAC Shield Network
Protecting. Connecting. Transforming.
For more than 45 years, 3D CAC has partnered with residents, businesses, community organizations, and the Metropolitan Police Department to strengthen neighborhoods throughout the Third District.
Residents Across the Third District
Police Service Areas
Years of Community Partnership
Volunteers and Community Leaders
Public Safety Meetings and Engagement
Training, Outreach, and Support
Neighbors Looking Out for Neighbors
A Block Captain Does Not Enforce the Law
This is not law enforcement. Block Captains are trained neighborhood connectors who help residents communicate, access resources, identify concerns, and build trust.
Welcome new neighbors and strengthen block-level relationships.
Share reliable public safety information, resources, and opportunities.
Report non-emergency concerns through the appropriate city channels.
Help organize neighborhood check-ins, safety walks, events, and service activities.
Connect vulnerable residents with resources and community support.
Bring neighborhood priorities to PSA meetings, 3D CAC leadership, and community partners.
Help transform a collection of homes, buildings, and businesses into a connected community.
Whole-Community Leadership
More Than Public Safety
Block Captains help residents identify needs, connect to resources, and strengthen the conditions that allow every neighborhood to thrive.
Public Safety
Helping neighbors stay informed, connected, prepared, and engaged in practical safety solutions.
Housing
Reporting neighborhood concerns and connecting residents with housing and property resources.
Education
Supporting schools, youth, families, safe passage, and lifelong learning opportunities.
Health & Wellness
Checking on vulnerable neighbors and sharing health, wellness, and prevention resources.
Economic Development & Employment
Supporting local businesses, workers, job seekers, and strong commercial corridors.
Transportation & Infrastructure
Helping identify lighting, traffic, sidewalk, road, and infrastructure concerns.
Disability & Accessibility
Advocating for safe, inclusive, and accessible neighborhoods for residents of all abilities.
Who Benefits
Meet the People We Serve
Strong blocks improve daily life for everyone, especially residents and businesses who can become isolated, overlooked, or disconnected from help.
Seniors
Supporting connection, wellness checks, information, and reduced isolation.
Families
Sharing neighborhood resources and helping create safer environments for children.
Businesses
Strengthening communication, commercial corridors, and local problem-solving.
Youth & Students
Supporting safe passage, positive connections, and youth leadership opportunities.
Residents with Disabilities
Elevating accessibility needs and helping connect residents with appropriate support.
New Neighbors
Helping renters, homeowners, immigrants, and new residents feel welcomed and informed.
No Experience Required
You Bring the Commitment. We Provide the Training.
Every new Block Captain begins as a Guardian and completes an 8-hour certification supported by tools, mentoring, and continued learning.
Free Block Captain certification and structured onboarding.
Community safety awareness, observation, and reporting guidance.
Neighbor engagement, communication, and relationship-building skills.
Emergency preparedness and community resilience education.
Resource navigation, city-service referrals, and issue documentation.
De-escalation, conflict awareness, and safety-first participation.
Ongoing mentorship, resource guides, recognition, and leadership development.
The Guardian Leadership Pathway
Your Leadership Grows With Your Service
Every Block Captain starts with a strong foundation and can advance through training, service, mentoring, and neighborhood impact.
Neighborhood Guardian
Observe. Report. Connect.
0–3 Months
Community Connector
Navigate. Mentor. Coordinate.
3–12 Months
Block Champion
Lead. Activate. Train.
12+ Months
Platinum Ambassador
Legacy. Governance. Mentorship at Scale.
5+ Years as Champion
Before You Apply
Self-Assessment: Am I a Good Fit?
You do not need to be perfect. Reflect honestly on whether the role fits your availability, strengths, values, and goals right now.
Time & Capacity
- I can commit about 6–10 hours per month for at least one year.
- I can attend one evening meeting per month.
- I can occasionally speak with neighbors or knock on doors.
- My life situation is stable enough to take this on.
Personal Qualities
- I care about my neighbors’ wellbeing.
- I follow through on commitments.
- I respect people who are different from me.
- I can protect confidential information.
- I focus on solutions and steady progress.
Motivation
- I want to make my block safer and more connected.
- I believe community matters.
- I am willing to put in effort when the work is difficult.
- I want to be part of something larger than myself.
Honest Reflection
- This feels exciting, even if it also feels a little scary.
- I can tolerate occasional discomfort or rejection.
- I am willing to learn and grow.
- I understand I am not fixing everything, I am helping people connect and move solutions forward.
If You Said Yes to Most, Apply.
Even if only 8–10 statements strongly describe you, we encourage you to step forward. Training will teach you the rest. Your PSA Coordinator will support you. Fellow Block Captains will encourage you.
Choose Your Leadership Path
Block Captain or Public Safety Ambassador?
Both roles strengthen the Third District. Choose the opportunity that best matches your interests, time, and desired level of service.
Block Captain
Lead where you live, work, or serve.
- Represents a block, building, or nearby group of streets.
- Builds relationships and shares trusted information.
- Helps identify and report neighborhood concerns.
- Approximately 6–10 hours per month.
- Ideal starting point for community leadership.
Public Safety Ambassador
Expand your impact across communities.
- Supports multiple blocks, corridors, businesses, events, or district-wide initiatives.
- Assists with outreach, education, and public safety engagement.
- May support trainings, safety walks, emergency preparedness, and special projects.
- Requires an expanded leadership commitment.
- Ideal for experienced or highly engaged community leaders.
The Future of the Third District Begins on Your Block.
One conversation. One introduction. One wellness check. One report. One act of service. Every great neighborhood begins with someone willing to take the first step.
3D CAC – Shield Network
PROTECTING • CONNECTING • TRANSFORMING
Your Block. Your Voice. Your Impact.
Building safer neighborhoods through community leadership since 1980.
Public Safety | Housing | Education | Health and Wellness | Economic Development/Employment | Transportation and Infrastructure | Disability and Accessibility
3rd District Citizens Advisory Council • Washington, DC
www.3DCAC.org • 202-854-1620 •
3DCACDC@gmail.com