Join New Connect! We’re looking for more volunteers to meet our growing community.
Help create a united community!
New Connect is an exciting program where volunteers welcome new residents to Brooklyn Park with a bag filled with community and city information, free gifts, and coupons for free items or services from local businesses!
Started in October 2012, volunteers have welcomed approximately 700 new homeowners per year.
Volunteer as a Community Connector
Welcome new homeowners with a reusable tote bag filled with goodies, community information and coupons for free items or services from local businesses. We meet once a month so you can pick up supplies and addresses of new neighbors. Volunteer events are held at City Hall.
Please join us if you are:
- Enthusiastic about meeting new people
- A licensed driver and 18 years or older (welcome to participate if under the age of 18 with a parent or guardian waiver)
- Looking for a fun and interactive experience
- Community groups and organizations are welcome to volunteer together! Groups can attend a normal event or contact Shay for a separate event of your own!
Volunteer Requirements
To help us keep everyone safe and informed, volunteers complete a few quick steps as part of the onboarding process:
- Background check — required for volunteers 18 and older. The form will be sent after you submit your application, and you’re welcome to complete it ahead of time or fill it out at the volunteer event. We’ll share your approval status as soon as it’s available.
- Volunteer waiver — completed at the volunteer event during training.
- Emergency contact form — also completed at the event so we have the right information on file.
All required forms and training will be available at volunteer events, and our team is happy to help walk you through anything you need.
Volunteer Events
New Connect is back in 2026! Welcome in Spring while you welcome new neighbors. Sign up for a volunteer event and help build your community:
- April 22nd, 2026 5:30-6:30pm
- July 22nd, 2026 5:30- 6:30pm
- October 21st 2026 5:30-6:30pm
Each event will take place at City Hall Council Chambers (5200 85th Ave. N. Brooklyn Park, Minnesota 55443).
Background check
After signing up for a volunteer event, you are welcome to complete a background check ahead of time using the form linked below. Background checks may also be completed on‑site during the event, and volunteers will receive an update once their check has been processed. The background check form is a fillable PDF that can be completed electronically and emailed to Shanna.Woods@BrooklynPark.org, or printed and returned in person or mailed to City Hall.
Download the volunteer background check form >
For assistance, please contact Shanna Woods at 763-238-5216.
Volunteer Logistics
Trained and approved volunteers can pick up their routes and welcome bags during the last week of each month, beginning in April.
If you can’t make one of the scheduled training sessions, we’re happy to set up a one‑on‑one training that works for you—just reach out to Shanna Woods.
We also love hosting group trainings, so if your team or organization wants to volunteer together, Shanna is the best contact to get that scheduled.
Questions on volunteering
Shanna Woods
Neighborhood Relations Specialist
763-493-8106
shanna.woods@brooklynpark.org
Hey businesses, make a great first impression!
Participate in the New Connect coupon book! This program is a great way to welcome new residents to Brooklyn Park and get them to visit your business.
Make ‘em an offer they can’t refuse
About 700 bags are delivered to new homeowners a year! To encourage new residents to eat, play, and shop within Brooklyn Park and become loyal customers, we’re looking for businesses to offer free items or services, or buy one, get one deals in the New Connect bags.
How does it work?
The coupon book is an exclusive perk for our new residents. They are handed out in our New Connect bags, and personally delivered to new homeowners as a welcome to the City.
Coupons have a one-time use with no expiration date, which can be collected once a resident redeems their free service or item. It’s free for businesses to participate, offering either a free item or service, or a buy one, get one free deal.
*Residents are not permitted to make copies, prints, or redistribute coupons. Residents must present the official coupon book with the coupon to redeem their service or items.
No cost to participate
All you have to do is provide the free product or service.
*”Buy one, get one free” deals will also qualify.
Join at any time
There is no deadline; you may join at any time.
The coupon book will be printed twice a year. We will follow up on a yearly basis to determine continued business interest and participation.
Coupon design
We will design, print and distribute the coupon for you after approval of your submission.
Please prepare to upload your business logo to the form. Please provide a 5.5 x 4.25 image in PNG format. Staff will follow up if you’d like assistance with formatting
Coupon policy
Open to any business or service provider in Brooklyn Park (or who provides that service in Brooklyn Park), subject to the following terms:
- Business can offer either a completely free item or service or “buy one, get one free” deal.
- There can not be a contract for service required for a resident to obtain the free item or deal.
- Coupon may specify, “One free item per household” or other quantity limits as business deems appropriate.
- Coupons cannot have an expiration date.
- No other forms of advertisement or independent marketing materials will be accepted for the New Connect bags.
Sign up here
Sign up my business for New Connect!
Right to refuse
The City of Brooklyn Park bears the right to refuse any offer that does not comply with the coupon policy. The program is a resident/volunteer-driven program and the City of Brooklyn Park cannot be held liable for the contents of the coupon, the process or the outcome of the New Connect program.
Questions on Business Participation
Shanna Woods
Neighborhood Relations Specialist
763-238-5216
shanna.woods@brooklynpark.org