Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC)’s Post

📢 Do you use your local public spaces? 📢 Are they inclusive? Do you feel safe? We want to hear about your experiences with local public spaces. If you want to help us make a change, you can fill out our survey and let us know what you think (it will literally take you less than a minute!) 👇🏼 https://lnkd.in/dScaqMyT

Another feature for Secretospgh.com in the paper this week! - Great article showcasing our reopening and what we are providing for the community and culture 🙌🏻

October is Blindness Awareness month. Check out the accommodations that allows the blind to experience the Library of Congress. #DisabilityAwareness #BlindnessAwareness #AccessibilityMatters #InclusiveWorld #VisionLossSupport #SeeTheAbility #BlindNotBroken #DisabilityRights #BreakBarriers #BlindAndProud #EmpowerTheDisabled #InclusionForAll #DisabilityAdvocate #VisuallyImpaired #DisabilityPride https://lnkd.in/eud5a7Qu

2 days in Aberystwyth for creucymru.com conference. It is always a great reminder of the passion that underscores the performing arts sector in Wales It's been a difficult year, in fact a difficult few years. funding for Arts in Wales has dropped by 27% since 2010 and the impact is being felt deeply by artists, organisations and communities. Amongst the empathetic conversations about difficult decisions to cut provision, reductions in operating hours and losing staff it can sometimes be hard to know where to look for hope and possibility. But there is. Wales is in a unique position to lead. We already do. From Cultural wellbeing as a core pillar of the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act to www.hynt.co.uk leading the way for Accessibility across the UK. The evidence relating to the benefits of investment in arts and culture for a healthier, happier more prosperous nation is undenianle. As is the contribution made by the people I have been sitting with for the last 48 hours make on a daily basis. We can't run on passion alone.

I cannot recommend this book or Diane Kalen-Sukra, MA, CMC's approach enough. Five years later it is more relevant and necessary than ever for leadership, governance and community building.

🌍 A Nation United: Finding Commonalities & Celebrating Differences Through Storytelling 🌍 In a time of increasing polarization, many of us feel exhausted by the divide that seems to separate us. But what if we could bridge that gap—not through political debate, but by sharing our personal stories and learning from each other’s life experiences? On Tuesday, October 22 at 6:30 PM EST, the Social Justice Racial Equity Collaborative is hosting "A Nation United", a special CommUnity Circle designed to create space for connection, empathy, and understanding. This is an opportunity to pause and reflect, to find commonalities and celebrate differences, and to connect across lines that too often divide us. 📅 Date: Tuesday, October 22 🕕 Time: 6:30 PM EST 🌐 Location: Virtual (Link to register) Through the power of storytelling, we can build bridges, listen deeply, and recognize that we have more in common than we might think. This is your invitation to be part of a community where healing and connection take center stage. 🔗 Register now to join us and help create a future where unity and understanding prevail: https://lnkd.in/eUTbbqxm #ANationUnited #StorytellingForChange #SocialJustice #EquityMatters #CommunityBuilding #UnityThroughDiversity #LeadershipForChange #SJREC

Commoners Media www.commoners.in aims to facilitate interaction and engagement between citizens and government officials. serves as a platform for fostering communication, transparency, and community involvement. Here are some potential features and benefits platform includes: Key Features 1. **Direct Interaction**: - **Messaging and Chat**: Citizens can send messages or chat with government officials directly. - **Virtual Town Halls**: Scheduled online sessions where officials address public concerns and answer questions. 2. **Issue Reporting and Tracking**: - **Reporting Tools**: Allows citizens to report issues such as potholes, streetlight problems, or public safety concerns. - **Tracking System**: Citizens can track the status of their reported issues. 3. **Community Engagement**: - **Forums**: Public discussion boards for community members to discuss local issues and propose solutions. - **Surveys and Polls**: Tools for gathering citizen opinions on various policies and initiatives. 4. **Transparency and Accountability**: - **Public Records**: Access to government meeting minutes, decisions, and budget reports. - **Feedback Mechanisms**: Citizens can provide feedback on government services and officials. 5. **Educational Resources**: - **Guides and Tutorials**: Information on government processes, how to participate in local governance, and civic duties. - **News and Updates**: Latest news on government actions and community events. 6. **Event Announcements**: - **Calendar of Events**: Information on upcoming public hearings, community meetings, and other relevant events. - **Notifications**: Alerts and reminders for important events and deadlines. 7. **Volunteer and Participation Opportunities**: - **Listings**: Information on volunteer opportunities and ways to get involved in community initiatives. #Benefits - **Enhanced Communication**: Direct channels for citizens to communicate with their government, leading to better understanding and quicker resolution of issues. - **Increased Transparency**: Public access to government activities and decisions fosters trust and accountability. - **Empowered Citizens**: Educational resources and participation opportunities empower citizens to be more involved in their community. - **Responsive Governance**: Feedback and issue tracking systems help government officials respond more effectively to the needs of their constituents. #CommonersMedia

Highlighting Prof. Nuno Jardim Nunes’ latest thought-provoking discussion on advocating for our planet's silent stakeholders. His perspective shifts the narrative to include the interests of non-human elements within our ecological frameworks. It is a refreshing read for anyone keen on exploring the depths of sustainability beyond the surface. Dive in! #Sustainability #Innovation #Ecology

So much to think about when embarking on collaborative research. Came across this detailed guidance & reflection on "Creating authentic, effective partnerships between organizations and people with lived experiences". Can't wait to dive into these resources (webinar recording + 62-page toolkit PDF).

Last night I had the chance to attend COMTO DC’s 2nd installment of the Crossroads series, "The Intersectionality of Race and the Transportation System." It was inspiring to hear the panel discuss proactive public engagement and share stories about their interactions with the communities their projects impact. Let's shine a spotlight on one of the many insights I gained from this panel: Flyers are not enough. Just listening is not enough. More has to be done to engage communities. People not only want to be heard but also want to see how their input impacts the project affecting their communities. Public engagement goes beyond checking off a list—it's about meaningful connections. I'm eager to learn more about approaching public engagement tasks in my own work.