Regional Voices! Regional Connections!
Neighborhoods are the building blocks of the region, shaping its character and affecting the lives of its residents. It is where “community” begins. To support and further this thinking, the first annual Neighborhood Summit was held in September --a day-long event designed for residents from 10 metro Atlanta counties to connect and discuss a common, inclusive agenda for strengthening the region.
About You
About You
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LESLEY
Last Name
GRADY
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About Your Organization
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Your idea
Name Your Project
Regional Voices! Regional Connections!
Country your work focuses on
United States, GA
Describe Your Idea
Neighborhoods are the building blocks of the region, shaping its character and affecting the lives of its residents. It is where “community” begins. To support and further this thinking, the first annual Neighborhood Summit was held in September --a day-long event designed for residents from 10 metro Atlanta counties to connect and discuss a common, inclusive agenda for strengthening the region.
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Innovation
What makes your idea unique?
Neighborhood champions were asked to submit proposals to present thier successes in community. in addition, all in attendance were provided information on best practices in grassroots community building and development and access to public, nonprofit and corporate resources. Appreciably, attendees had opportunities to learn from one another and explore opportunities for collaboration. Angela Glover-Blackwell, president and CEO of PolicyLink, provided the keynote address. In a fun, interactive twist, Georgia State University provided keypads for attendees to participate in electronic polling on regional issues, the results of which they could view immediately. Participants had the opportunity to connect one-on-one with county commissioners from five of the ten major counties to discuss public safety, healthcare, transportation and other hot-topic issues facing the region. More than 500 persons attended. most of the times, grassroots leaders are "talked to"; this summit is presented for grassroots leaders by grassroots leaders and the establishment dare not attend!
Do you have a patent for this idea?
Impact
This Entry is about (Issues)
What impact have you had?
more than 500 attendees and many more smaller, county based dialogue has followed. before the september 25 event this year, we have had requests from our governmental plannign agency to co-host a public input session with particioapnts, as well as a request from alumni from five county-based grassroots ledership development programs to host a complemenatary event. the dialogue has begun.
Problem
There are currently an estimated 5.5 million persons living in metro Atlanta and the 2006 U.S. Census estimated that the region will be home to more than nine million by 2030. In response to the booming growth experienced throughout the region, elected officials are challenged to address the region’s more than 30 municipalities and enact strategies that bridge the region’s economic viability and sustainability. Health, transportation, land planning, air quality, water supply and education are just some of the core issues that impact the region today.
Actions
The Civic League engages residents, including 3,300 members representing diverse demographics, economics, backgrounds, perspectives and needs throughout the region in the development of broad-based solutions. The organization believes that civic engagement can be a powerful process that moves people toward greater self-efficacy. Membership is open to all residents of the Atlanta region at no cost, though members are encouraged to upgrade their level of membership, starting at $40 year. Members are encouraged to participate in the programs and forums The Civic League offers.
Since 2008, more than 2,500 regional residents participated in the neighborhood-based forums to develop a citizen’s agenda for the region. The Civic League also holds several signature events: The Neighborhood Summit, held annually and bringing together neighborhood associations, civic groups and community-based organizations, business, philanthropic, nonprofit and public sectors to learn about and collaborate on regional issues;
Results
1-revised the mehtod of public input to the region's planning agency
2-initiated the development of three research papers on topics of citizen interest
3-developed a detailed summary of 'citizen aspiration" for elected and civic leaders.
What will it take for your project to be successful over the next three years? Please address each year separately, if possible.
Civic League: Greatest Needs: 1) Full time, (1.5 FTE) staff to coordinate consistent fund development partnerships and outreach that ensures sustainability 2) Program development to expand civic engagement opportunities (house parties, study groups, civic classes, social media, etc.). Summit:
Expand outreach, particularly to marginalized communities (street teams, increased social capital, etc.) and scholarships for attendees ($25)
What would prevent your project from being a success?
See above. there is a need and desire for authentic expression and venues fo rcivic voice and action. the problem is not transportation, health, water, etc.--the problem is cynisim and the answer is not hope but ACTION. however we need true beleivers that share the most compelling and sustainable vision for community must come from those who make up that community.
How many people will your project serve annually?
1001‐10,000
What is the average monthly household income in your target community, in US Dollars?
$1000 - 4000
Does your project seek to have an impact on public policy?
Yes
Sustainability
What stage is your project in?
Operating for 1‐5 years
Is your organization a
Non‐profit/NGO/citizen sector organization
Is your initiative connected to an established organization?
Yes
If yes, provide organization name.
GA State UniversityAnd Young School of Policy Studies, Atlanta Regional Commission, Regional Bus Coaltion
How long has this organization been operating?
More than 5 years
Does your organization have a Board of Directors or an Advisory Board?
Yes
Does your organization have a non-monetary partnerships with NGOs?
Yes
Does your organization have a non-monetary partnerships with businesses?
Yes
Does your organization have a non-monetary partnerships with government?
Yes
Please tell us more about how these partnerships are critical to the success of your innovation.
These partners provide the ohter legs of the three-legged stool of healthy communities: business and government (the Civic LEague is civic). The university provides much needed, objective, quality data for discussion and deliberation and action.
What are the three most important actions needed to grow your initiative or organization?
Please see above. we also need support in promoting the power of resident engagment and its potential.
The Story
What was the defining moment that you led to this innovation?
a series of meetings with Chris Gates, Philanthopy for Civic Engagement (PACE) and yeares of stalled progress by business and government on critical regional issues.
Tell us about the social innovator behind this idea.
That citizens and residents can and want to break the stalemate that exists. that regular folks can make good decisions. that we have lost civil discourse based on good data and mutual respect for differing opinions. that we will rise and/or fall as a region.
How did you first hear about Changemakers?
Newsletter from Changemakers
If through another, please provide the name of the organization or company
 | 93 weeks agoLESLEY GRADY updated this Competition Entry. |
| 93 weeks agoLESLEY GRADY updated this Competition Entry. |
| 93 weeks agoLESLEY GRADY submitted this idea. |
