Downtown Raleigh Alliance’s Post

Good Monday morning, friends. Just a quick reminder that the ability to bring people together is not all there is to community building. Knowing someone's name is not all there is to community building. Helping with wayfinding is not all there is to community building. Components of? Yes. And to effectively build communities you must put the needs of those in your stewardship first. To effectively build community you must decenter whatever your motivations are to leave room and flexibility for those you are building WITH (not FOR). To effectively build community you must always think of what it means to ensure these spaces feel safe and inclusive and that you allow people to show up and contribute in a myriad of ways while upholding your community's why. To effectively build community, values and norms must be explicit and any correction must be applied equitably and with dignity to the members of your community (i.e., no public reprimands). If at any point you do this work for the glorification and magnification of YOU in the name of belonging and connection, get out of it. Because it isn't about you.

Successful mobile home parks are built on a foundation of shared goals. Residents and park management work together to create an environment where everyone can thrive. Whether it's organizing community events, maintaining communal spaces, or fostering a sense of belonging, the collaboration between the people living within these parks forms the backbone of their success. #mobilehomeparks #mobilehome #realestate #investmentproperty #realestateinvestments #mobilehomeparkscommunity #community

#ReforestingScotland #GreatGlen #BunloitEstate #LochNess #CommunityEngagement #Sustainability #Conservation #Scotland #Environment This post reflects a positive and collaborative effort towards reforestation and community engagement in Scotland. The annual gathering of Reforesting Scotland at the Great Glen, and specifically their visit to Bunloit Estate on the banks of Loch Ness, signifies the importance of the location in their reforestation efforts. The pleasure expressed by the host in discussing past work, future plans, and community engagement models indicates a strong commitment to both environmental conservation and community involvement. This approach is commendable as it not only focuses on the practical aspect of reforestation but also emphasizes the importance of community support and involvement in achieving long-term sustainability and success in their initiatives.

With three years of experience in community engagement, data collection, and conducting public participation—having been to different communities in the nation—majorly the rural and marginalized communities—I have learnt a lot. Being with people and sometimes getting involved in their activities has taught me much that sitting in the office before office gadgets would have not. As they do say, "Kutembea kwingine ndyo kuona mengi, kijua mengi, kujifunza mengi," I do second this. However, I have come to realize that sometimes we enrol on community and commercial projects in the community without fully involving them. Without engaging them fully to understand what they want, how they want it, how they would want it to be done, and how they are both going to benefit from it (the community and the proponent). Most community development projects fail because the community do not feel part of them. Public participation is very important, give them time, listen to them, and gather as much as can on their opinions. In case you get an opportunity to conduct public participation in proposed community and commercial development projects, don't rush because you need money or to be paid by the proponent. Give your best because a single mistake can ruin your consultancy farm. What makes your consultancy farm outshine the rest is the services offered. Let's not let greed for money ruin what has taken you years to build. Listen to the community more than the money. Tom Otieno I sit to be corrected

Important Reasons Why People Choose to Buy a Home: 9 of 10 –  Community Involvement: Buying a home often means putting down roots in a community, allowing you to become more involved in local activities and events.

Check out this article on the Community Development work your Chamber is doing to increase access to broadband in rural Berkeley County. As South Carolina spends millions of dollars on broadband, the Berkeley Chamber is working hard to ensure that funding is strategically targeted to spark the greatest growth and impact those in need. Having digital equity and access to broadband is critical to our disassociated communities. CHARLESTONCITYPAPER.COM Broadband service spreads in rural communities - Charleston City Paper The roar of drilling machines across the tri-county region signals m

Join us February 21 at 10am for our second CED 101 Webinar: Community Planning. Community planning, or urban planning, is often thought of as the structure and bones upon which community economic development is built. However, planning is more than just master plans and zoning. The work done in this sector impacts our day-to-day lives as citizens and the work we do as practitioners in the CED field. Good community planning is based on gathering participatory and inclusive feedback and can lead to organized social change. Register here: https://ow.ly/V1Tf50QwPrK

Community engagement Furthermore, community engagement not only enhances property values but also fosters a sense of belonging and social connectedness. According to a report by the Office for National Statistics, neighbourhoods with strong community ties experience lower crime rates and higher levels of well-being among residents. Additionally, a study by the University of Warwick found that every 10% increase in community cohesion is associated with a 3.5% increase in local economic growth. By actively involving local stakeholders in the development process, we not only create spaces that meet their needs but also contribute to the overall resilience and prosperity of the community. Through initiatives like inclusive design workshops and partnerships with local organizations, we're not just constructing buildings; we're nurturing vibrant, sustainable communities where everyone feels heard, valued, and at home.

Building a thriving neighborhood community is a year-round endeavor that brings joy and a sense of belonging to everyone involved. Here are some effective ways to foster a close-knit community: 🏘️ Organize Community Events: Regular social events are a great way to bring neighbors together. Consider seasonal parties, block parties, or themed gatherings. Encourage everyone to participate in the planning and hosting to build a sense of ownership and inclusivity. 🏘️ Start a Neighborhood Project: Collaborative projects like a community garden, a book club, or a volunteer group for local causes can unite neighbors around common interests and goals. This not only beautifies the neighborhood but also strengthens community bonds. 🏘️ Establish a Welcome Committee: Form a group to welcome new residents with a small gift or information packet. This gesture can make newcomers feel immediately included and provide them with essential local knowledge. 🏘️ Create Shared Spaces: If possible, establish areas where neighbors can gather casually, like a park bench, a community bulletin board, or a shared library box. These spaces encourage spontaneous interactions and a sense of community. 🏘️ Utilize Technology: Use social media or neighborhood apps to stay connected, share information, and organize events. This can be especially useful for neighbors who are less able to participate in person. 🏘️ Offer Support and Assistance: Establishing a culture of helping each other—whether it's babysitting, pet sitting, or helping with yard work—creates a supportive environment where neighbors feel they can rely on each other. By implementing these ideas, you can help build a vibrant, supportive neighborhood community that thrives throughout the year. Such initiatives not only enhance the living experience for current residents but also attract future ones to a lively and connected community. Cha Mayne Marciel Compass DRE 02104164 408-464-3339 #newhomeowners #communityconnections #chamaynemarciel