Neighborhood Engagement

See pictures under our "Abolish Hunger Now" post.

We are believers in neighborhood engagement. Our interests range from fitness and recreation, to leisure and hobbies, to caring for neighbors through relationship-based resources at the neighborhood level coupled with coordinated sustainability efforts. Last night two members of our team drove to a church in NE Portland to watch "Life of Pi". There we had comfortable seating, ample space, heavenly refreshments, enjoyed talking to people we know and didn't know. In late August, a professional opera singer is bringing her talents to a church in our own neighborhood. We have a neighbor that sings popular music in a quartet and we attend two or three performances a year. Another neighbor invited us to attend a Greek history class. One of our team accepted the invitation, not because of a desire to learn about Greek history, but to develop a good relationship with our neighbor. In turn she accepted the invitation to go to a six week nutrition class nearby.

We envision neighborhoods as a place with organized bicycle rides, local hikes, book clubs, nutrition classes, ball games, and movies. A couple months ago our consulting manager visited Rahab's Sisters. This organization meets in Portland near 82nd avenue and reaches out to women affected by prostitution and homelessness. We value this organization because services are provided on the front porch of where these things take place. Access is everything whether people are marginalized by society, lack financial resources or transportation. Bringing services down to the neighborhood level improves access and helps build relationships. In our post "Abolish Hunger Now" there is a sign listing community partners. This concept can be used at the neighborhood level, by inviting businesses, churches, nonprofits, the neighborhood association and others together.

First describe strengths of your neighborhood. Second, dare to envision a vibrant neighborhood characterized by neighbors that know each other, make good use of public parks and other public spaces, and offer a wealth of free activities for all to enjoy. Engagement needs to happen at all levels. Think about hosting a MOM's group, indoor play park, after school program, sports camp, day camps, art drop in center, teen drop in center. For families consider potlucks in the park or a progressive dinner (one course at each of several homes), family basketball or swim, camp outs, scavenger hunts and guided bike tours. The possibilities are endless. Seniors need to belong too. Many are able to read to children, serve as surrogate grand parents, teach a young person a trade or skill.

Rather than churches, businesses and special interest completing, invite representatives to the table. Work together to develop a composite talent pool and times of availability. Once the calendar is fleshed out and meets diverse neighborhood needs, ask community partners to provide resources. Resources may include facilities, equipment, personnel or finances. Try marketing activities with a neighborhood calendar. Use EventBrite to manage signups and track interest and attendance. Track volunteer hours and services provided to aid in securing additional funding. Simple statistics can be used to measure and communicate the value of neighborhood engagement.  

Neighorhood Sharing-Part 2

The last post focused on sharing kitchens, food preservation equipment, trucks and more. This post will explain how businesses can play a role in this model and why it is important. We live in a neighborhood with a savvy business man. He figured out it was profitable to donate $40.00 to the neighborhood association for each sale from neighbors. In turn, the neighborhood association hand delivers his flyer with the neighborhood newsletter to every home in the neighborhood. For him that is cheap advertizing and he is doing his part to support the local neighborhood. Neighborhood sharing is about reciprocity and community. Sharing can come in the form of labor, equipment, information, professional services or resources. Resources may include a children's clothing, toy or furniture exchange. This helps families provide for the need of growing children. Local gardeners may decide on seed, plant or produce swap. By doing this they cut their own cost and may contribute extra produce to help local neighbors, teach gardening to local school children or at the neighborhood community center. Trading services such as child or elder care. lawn care or house keeping services can help households improve their cash flow. A mechanic may trade for a massage or a dentist may trade for lawn care. The relationship aspect is the most important element of resource sharing, however it can also help residents, churches and businesses cut costs. A church can offer space to a scouting group in exchange for periodic building improvements such as installing a water feature, prayer garden or outdoor seating. A business can offer volunteers to help staff neighborhood events such as parades, festivals or set up and take down for a farmer's market. They may also permit access for additional parking. Event organizers can help promote local businesses by listing them as event partners, or vendor space at events.

Encouraging Church Resilience

 Encouraging church resilience is a six part workshop series. Each workshop can stand alone, be delivered in a six week series or a full day workshop.

Ten Ways to Bolster Church Finances
Many churches are struggling to pay bills or expand ministry. In this workshop attendees will learn four practical steps to improve finances. In addition, break out groups will address specific skills to boost church revenues.

Opting In: How to Create a Culture of Service
Research says that a few members carry the work load. This can lead to burnout. This sub-topic addresses how churches track and improve participation?

Public Information Officers in the Church-What’s Next?
Is your church invisible? If it closed its doors would anyone notice it was gone? Public information officers can play a unique role in improving visibility. Listen to some astonishing principles the church can apply to revitalize ministries.

Hamming It Up: The Role of Amateur Radio Teams
Communications are a essential to resilience and sustainablity. Redundant communications help the faith community serve each other and others expecially during times of adversity. Amateur radio has applications for missions, building community partnerships, and maintaining resilience and serving others during adverse conditions. 

Safeguarding Our Most Precious Resource: How Safe Is Your Child Safety Plan?
The world has changed and child safety has become a major concern in churches. Failure to address child safety may lead to harm, criticism and legal consequences. Churches also need policies and procedures that outline how to safety Reunite  children who have been separated from parents or caregivers following a critical incident.

Nurturing Church Workers
Research indicates new church workers are not adequately supported emotionally or vocationally. Expections lack clarity. Without a fair appraisal process, imrovements are not made causing small problems become big problems. Learn how to implement processes that help develop new resources perform well, mature and in turn develop others.