INVITATION: Presentation and Dialogue: Grassroots Participation in Designing Community

What is your vision for an inclusive and vibrant community? 

You are invited to a presentation and dialogue, Grassroots Participation in Designing Community, on Wednesday, October 26th from 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM at Daybreak Cohousing (2525 N. Killingsworth St).  Brian Elliott, a resident of North Portland and Instructor at PSU will present ideas and concepts on grassroots participation in designing community.  Engage in an exchange of ideas that explore the dynamics of inclusiveness in designing communities and deepen your understanding of local efforts. Be inspired to make a positive difference in your own backyard.

FREE and open to the community.  Light snacks provided.  Please RSVP by Friday, October 22nd.  Child care (9 and under), transportation, and interpretation provided upon request.

For more information or to RSVP for this event, click here.

SURVEY: How can Community Outreach best connect with you?

In our effort to be of the greatest benefit to the community, Community Outreach wants to know how best to connect with you!  Please take a moment to click on the link below and fill out a short survey.  This survey will help us to ensure that the information on our website is useful and accessible.  In addition, it will inform how we might best share with you the tools, strategies and inspirational stories of everyday people doing extraordinary things throughout the community.  Surveys will only be used to inform the work of Community Outreach.   

Community Outreach Communication Survey

We appreciate your feedback! 

TIPS & TOOLS: Event Logistics

Community events are a wonderful way to bring together people with common interests and develop relationships with others.  Such events can be educational, celebratory, informative and fun!  Depending on the size, type and scope of your event, there are many details that go into making it a success.  The Event Logistics Tool Packet shares the tools and strategies we have learned from coordinating a variety of different events throughout Portland. Take from it whatever works best for achieving your own community or neighborhood goals.  For a list of other Community Building Tool Packets, click here. 

If you have questions about coordinating a community event, schedule a Brainstorming and Consultation Session with us.  These are free, one-hour sessions for community and volunteer-based groups working to make a positive difference in the community. 

OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS: Harvest & Share Bounty!

“If you can’t feed a hundred people, then just feed one.” – Mother Teresa

It’s that time of year, where if you have a garden you most likely have a lot of extra produce.  Why not share your harvest abundance with neighbors or the community?  Consider arranging a swap with your neighbor; some of their carrots for your golden beets.  Plan a potluck and feature your vegetables or fruits in a main dish or dessert; invite others to do the same. 

Alternatively, share your harvest with the community.  Emergency food pantries, gleaners, food banks and other community groups are always in need of donations.  Check with your local farmer’s market, faith community, neighbors and nonprofit organizations to find out where you can donate. 

Click here for a list of organizations that provide free meals and food boxes in Portland.

WON'T YOU BE MY NEIGHBOR: Supportive Neighbors

46. Offer up toys your children no longer play with to your neighbors. 
47. A good neighbor is genuinely kind and open, and respects your space. 
48. Check in on elderly neighbors, run errands or share vegetables from your garden.
49. Put your neighbor’s trash bins out for them. 
50. Share your lawn mower with your neighbor or offer to mow theirs after you do your own. 

This is an ongoing list of suggestions from neighbors.  For the whole list, click here. 

Share  your experience being or having a supportive neighbor with us!

SHARING INSPIRATIONAL STORIES: Youth Bill of Rights Mural
Killingsworth and Maryland Mural

How could one not be inspired after looking upon a mural illustrating hopes and dreams of youth in our community?  You are encouraged to visit the Youth Bill of Rights Mural on the North wall of Trillium Charter School at 5420 N Interstate Avenue. Experience the collaborative energy of youth expressing themselves through art. 

Mural artists, Jesus García and Margret Harburg worked with youth ranging in age from 4 to 19 from the Blue Faith Youth group of Holy Cross Parish and Trillium.  The mural was inspired by the Children and Youth Bill of Rights created in 2006 by the City of Portland. Youth hope that their work will increase awareness of the bill among youth and adults, and help to make it a reality in our community. Stop by and show your support. 

Visit http://northportlandyouthmural.wordpress.com to learn more about the mural project. 

IN THEIR OWN WORDS: Feedback from a person who attended a Tools for Community Building Workshop

”[There was] insightful information about event planning that I didn’t know.  [There were] easy guidelines to follow.  This was the first workshop I’ve been to and it was great!” – Te’shannia