WELCOME: Website Update

If you are looking for the Community Outreach website, it has moved. We are now located at www.ouvcommunityoutreach.org.

You can still access our department from www.ourunitedvillages.org by clicking on the photo and text that says “Community Outreach”. This change allows us to highlight all of the departments of Our United Villages and create a more inclusive web presence.

We will be enhancing and updating the website throughout 2010. Thank you for navigating through this transition with us. Please contact us if you have any questions about this change at 503.546.7499 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

INVITATION: Community Feedback Session

Community Outreach invites you and guest to attend a Community Feedback Session. Our mission is to strengthen the social vitality of our community. What does that look like for you? How could Community Outreach be of the greatest benefit to community? What are your ideas for topics or events? Come share your ideas, observations, and interests for building community in Portland. Your input will shape our activities for 2010.

Thursday, January 14, 2010
5:30pm-7:00pm

Please let us know if you can join us by calling 503.546.7499 or email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). This event is free and snacks will be provided. Child care (for children under 12), transportation, and interpretation provided upon request.

TIPS & TOOLS: Idea Development Plan

Everyday, people have amazing ideas about how to give back to community and enhance the vibrancy of their neighborhood. We created a tool, called an Idea Development Plan, to strengthen the efforts of individuals and groups working to make a positive difference in their communities. The Idea Development Plan is a series of critical questions that further explore the project idea. The outcome of using the Idea Development Plan is a blueprint, or roadmap, for turning the idea into action. We have a simple handout with the questions or a workbook for groups to use when further exploring a project idea. The Idea Development Plan is like a tool chest; take from it whatever works best for achieving your own neighborhood or community goals. 

You can access both the Idea Development Plan and Workbook from our website. 

OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS: Event Logistics Guide
Appendix P: Room Layout Diagrams in Event Logistics

One of the newest Community Building Tool Packets is the Event Logistics Guide. This detailed guide includes information, tips, and timelines regarding logistical considerations such as:

• Identifying venues
• Getting the word out
• Using professional services
• Coordinating food
• Setting up the event
• Inviting feedback

WON'T YOU BE MY NEIGHBOR: Supportive Neighbor Checklist

16. Introduce yourself to a neighbor you haven’t met.
17. Attend a Neighborhood Association meeting.
18. Split a cord of wood with a neighbor.
19. Invite neighbors to your home for game night.
20. Coordinate a leaf-raking party with neighbors.

This is an ongoing checklist of suggestions from neighbors. For the whole list, click here. If you have ideas to add to this checklist, send them to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

SHARING INSPIRATIONAL STORIES: Caring for Our Elders

“I have a neighbor now who is very old and he’s alone. My children, the little one, she is 8, she likes to go and say hi to him and the old man would look at her and say, “Where are you coming from?” He didn’t know we were neighbors and so my daughter would go and say hi to him because she would say, “Look at this Grandpa. He’s alone.” He will come out only to smoke and go back into his home.”

—Shared by Koffi at Intercultural Storytelling event

IN THEIR OWN WORDS: Feedback from a Guest at Intercultural Storytelling

“Saturday’s event was really wonderful. The Intercultural Storytelling was such a gift to the community! I’m so inspired by the stories that were shared by all the great storytellers. I feel there are so many benefits in this kind of event & I hope there will be more to follow!”

—Barbara Gerke