JobsOhio’s Post

Today, we joined the New Kensington Community Development Corporation (NKCDC) and other community partners in celebrating Kensington’s inclusive community development process. In response to a history of strategic disinvestment in Kensington, exacerbated by the destructive effects of the opioid crisis, the Kensington Planning Process is a coordinated effort to direct resources according to community-defined priorities – and with residents with lived experience as central drivers – to ensure long-term community change and transformation. Spring Point Partners’ investment in the process is aligned with our social justice portfolio’s responsiveness to the self-defined needs of historically oppressed people. A new report – Kensington Planning Process: History, Context, Voices – outlines the process and provides evidence that residents need to be centered in any community development and neighborhood revitalization process. Dig in and support the process at https://lnkd.in/emFFmd9u

Community First, Always: The Power of Prioritizing People Over Progress By Dr. Bilal Ahmad Bhat In an age where progress and technology often overshadow the importance of human connections, it's crucial to remember that putting our communities first should always be our priority. "Community First, Always" isn’t just a catchphrase; it's a guiding principle that can transform our approach to both personal and collective growth. Focusing on community means fostering environments where every voice is heard and valued. It means investing in local initiatives, supporting small businesses, and creating opportunities for collaboration. When we prioritize the well-being of those around us, we build stronger, more resilient societies. This approach not only enhances our collective quality of life but also drives sustainable development that benefits everyone. By embracing a community-first mindset, we ensure that our advancements and achievements contribute to the greater good, rather than just individual success. It’s about creating a legacy of mutual support and shared prosperity. Let’s commit to leading with empathy and inclusivity, making every decision with the betterment of our communities at the forefront. After all, real progress is measured by the strength of our connections and the impact we have on each other’s lives.

If people value deeper connections, why not use architecture to raise awareness of our social responsibility, fostering a sense of belonging and supporting real-life interactions? In every building, there are opportunities to enhance the collective feeling. Both on the ground floor and upper levels, it's possible to address urban segregation, accommodate diverse family structures, and create inclusive spaces that foster community cohesion and social well-being. Image: HERE S.r.l.

Looking to establish or elevate partnerships in your community? This toolkit from the Urban Institute provides strategies and starting points to guide your journey: https://lnkd.in/e2r_UBY2 

In the realm of networking and community building, it’s essential to uphold the initial spirit of inclusivity and connection. Launching groups with the intention to foster relationships and break down barriers, only to later introduce fees and gatekeeping, raises a critical question: What’s the point? As communities evolve, it’s crucial to maintain transparency and ensure that the original mission of openness and collaboration isn’t compromised. Striking a balance between sustaining a community’s growth and preserving its founding principles is key to fostering an environment where everyone can thrive without unnecessary barriers. Let’s engage in a thoughtful conversation about how we can uphold the values that brought us together in the first place, fostering genuine connections while navigating the practicalities of community sustainability. I’m a firm believe in genuinely sharing my opportunities without a fee, because someone stepped and covered me and supported me on my journey and in this industry it’s about who you know & making strategic connections. Esp as a woman of color who want to bring in other ppl of color up with me. If you want me to join your group I need to understand your mission first.

Just finished an incredibly enriching session with Gorebridge Community Development Trust. Our focus on reflection, governance, and charting a path forward was highlighted by embracing visual elements in our training. Witnessing everyone share their experiences, thoughts, and aspirations was genuinely enlightening. One question that resonated with us was, “Where do I want to be on the train?” This metaphorical inquiry isn’t just about direction and understanding our journeys within the broader context of our organisation's mission. As I reflect on the session, I’m reminded of the beauty in both endings and new beginnings. Moments like these remind us of the continuous journey of growth and development. #communitydevelopment #reflection #inspiration #growth #development

My team ran through a community mission, vision, and values exercise today. This is not only important for the community but ensures team alignment while making sure the humans on your team are accurately represented. As someone wise told me yesterday, "you have to believe in [something] to truly be invested." Community building is no different. We have to believe in what we are building or it's a moot point. We ended up with a human focused vision, mission, and values. Yes, it's version two. Yes, we will be revisiting. Yes, we will ensure member feedback is implemented as we move forward. Yes, we have business goals we align to as well. But dang, it was nice to build a truly human focused mission & vision. Feels right and another sign I am working with the correct people - Kendra & Paul. Focus on the humans, my friends, focus on the humans. The rest will follow. 😊

Why DurhamCares? Because we believe in collaboration that is inclusive, equitable, and holistic. At the heart of our mission is the belief that collective action creates lasting impact. We value partnerships that go beyond surface-level cooperation, embracing inclusivity, equity, and a holistic approach to community building. Inclusivity means everyone has a seat at the table. Equity ensures that opportunities and resources are distributed justly. Holistic collaboration means addressing the diverse needs of our community comprehensively. Together, we're not just building connections; we're building a foundation for positive, sustainable change. 🤝 Join us in fostering collaborations that reflect the strength of diversity and the power of unity. Let's create a Durham where everyone's strengths contribute to the collective well-being. #DurhamCares #InclusiveCollaboration #EquitablePartnerships #HolisticCommunity #CommunityFirst #Durham #DurhamNC #Durm

This past fall, I led a group of our Virginia Tech SPIA graduate students in their course on Collaborative Planning and Community Engagement. They worked with a resident activist group, the Friends of Evans Spring, who have organized to try to protect the last remaining urban forest in the City of Roanoke, VA, from development. The forest is just to the north of a predominantly African American neighborhood, which was displaced there following the destruction of the historic Black neighborhoods in the City during urban renewal. If you've read about Root Shock, by Mindy Fullilove, MD, you've heard about Roanoke -- it is one of three cases she uses to describe the inter-generational psychological trauma caused by urban renewal in American cities-- legacies of urban planning decisions. This project was very challenging for us, as outsiders, and as scholars/students of urban planning, who recognize both the potential and the limitations of the tools of urban planning to effect truly transformative change. We studied closely the examples of Ken Reardon, Leonie Sandercock, Patricia Wilson, and others, to open up spaces of transformation through deep community engagement. We found that through a willingness to be vulnerable, to empathically hold another's pain - and hope - even though we could not guarantee any outcome, the process changed *us*. Increasingly, I understand that this is the transformation that our society needs. How do *we* learn to become neighbors to those we formerly considered strangers? What does it mean to teach... love... of neighbor? I have been asked by the City of Roanoke's Equity and Empowerment Advisory Board to present our process of community engagement to City Council on Feb 5. I have recorded the presentation, which can be viewed here: https://lnkd.in/eAPRk3fW Many thanks to the Fall 2023 students in my Collaborative Planning and Community Engagement class~ I learned so much from working with you all on this.

When two people are different on the outside but share similar approaches to life and problem solving, they can become Mosaic Partners as part of Topeka United's successful community building initiative. We help select the partnerships using our Innovation Strengths Preference Indicator™ (ISPI™). #diversity #innovation #problemsolving #community #topeka #topekaunited