INCLUSIVE COMMUNITIES

Lessons in Community from Around the World
Bogged down in developing the “just right” policy?  Tired of giving advice that doesn’t really seem to make that much of a difference?  Communities around the world are developing new ways to build resilient  neighborhoods by surfacing and working with the many leaders who are already present and ready to make a difference now.
Presenter: Bob Stilger, PhD – Spokane, WA

Gathering Places: Youth Sustainability Council
Gathering Places is a youth-led project developed in Spokane to repair social connections in neighborhoods by establishing a neighborhood center, while encouraging sustainable practices in daily life. Each of Gathering Places’ neighborhood centers are pedestrian-accessible, and include a community garden and greenhouse to provide local food, a venue for local music and art, opportunities for workshops, bartering, and  youth empowerment.
Presenter: Taylor Weech – Spokane, WA

New Tools for Improving Social Equality in Neighborhood Planning
In the face of monetary, political, and technical restraints, it can be challenging to maintain a focus on improving social equity in neighborhood planning efforts.  This workshop will provide an overview of Seattle’s nationally-recognized 1990s citizen-led neighborhood planning process, and discuss new tools that are being developed to identify and current address policies and decisions that impact racial and social equity.
Presenter: Stella Chao & Kimberlee Archie – Seattle, WA

Portland’s Strategic System for Engaging Under-Represented Groups
Develop a holistic approach to creating meaningful and sustainable involvement of previously under-engaged groups. The Neighborhood Resource Center includes the Diversity Program, the Diversity and Civic Leadership Program, the Effective Engagement Solutions Program and the Public Involvement Standards Program.  Participants will learn about each program, how they work together and the guiding values and principles applied to creating meaningful engagement from previously underrepresented community members.
Presenters: Judith Mowry & Jeri Williams – Portland, OR

Empowering Youth as Neighborhood Partners
Young citizens can be powerful, untapped resources for neighborhoods.  This workshop explores the principles of youth development and best practices for youth involvement in community improvement.  A Youth Empowerment Toolkit provides conference participants a useful guide for neighborhood leaders to better understand our next generation and successfully enlist youth to work side-by-side with adults in creating safer, more robust neighborhoods.
Presenters: Rhosetta Rhodes, Kelsey Smith, Meilani Atacador and Garret Sampson – Spokane, WA