"I Have A Dream" Foundation Milwaukee’s Post

All I can say is “Wow!” 8 of us from FCS - Focused Community Strategies traveled to Spartanburg to visit fellow Purpose Built Communities network member Northside Development Group a while ago, and they blew us away. If you haven’t checked them out yet, they are doing amazing place-based work, tackling education, infrastructure, and economic vitality. But what impressed me the most: they don’t do a single thing without consulting a core group of community leaders and neighbors. It was obvious walking around their neighborhood just how much time, energy, and humility they’ve poured into those relationships. Building their credibility. Taking feedback. Slowing down. Listening to the priorities neighbors bring forth. I think most of us at FCS were left speechless. Now that we’ve had some time to process, let me say this: #1 I walked away energized - our FCS delegation was furiously taking notes and we’re ready to implement what we learned. #2 It’s clear Northside Development Group doesn’t toot their own horn enough. So here’s a well-deserved shout-out to CEO Michael Williamson and everyone on their team who hosted us: You all are absolutely nailing it, and I’m proud to be doing this work alongside organizations like Northside Development Group. Thanks for raising the bar on what effective Neighborhood Engagement looks like. #neighborhoodengagement #neighbors #placemaking #communitydevelopment

This year's #LearningDisabilityWeek theme is 'Do You See Me?' which is all about being seen, heard and valued. We've spoken to Keith, who is supported by one of our community hubs and is an active member of the Salford Listening to People forum. In our latest blog, he tells us what it means to him to be seen, heard and valued and how it's made his life better through the years : https://lnkd.in/edEMnUGj

It was an honor to host U.S. Senator Benjamin Cardin at our office to discuss the impactful work of Social Capital Builders. Social capital education and coaching hold immense potential to reshape opportunities for students and adults, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds who, by definition, may not enjoy the same access as their more well-connected peers. -Questions to Workforce and Educational Leadership: How might embracing social capital education and coaching within your programs positively impact the outcomes of students or job seekers, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds? What potential positive outcomes do you envision, such as improved employment rates, career growth, or community engagement, as a result of prioritizing social capital development in your programs? Social Capital Builders is powered by the Maryland Innovation Center and the Howard County Economic Development Authority.

I have already heard awesome feedback from folks about this resource! I think there are a lot of good principles for guiding #KnowledgeMobilization practices and activities. Check it out!

My work with Social Justice Associates continues, and I look forward to our teaching and facilitation engagements coming up in Dayton, OH, Pueblo, CO, and Denver. Today I got to connect with Amy Bonomi, PhD, MPH, and as usual, we lost track of time while we shared lessons learned, ideas, and dreams for our clients together. I captured this screenshot of Amy while we worked virtually with Coastal Community Bank in September. (And work with Coastal Community Bank got me to the Seattle, WA area for my very first time! What a beautiful area). That smile you see is genuine. Amy is sincerely excited for the opportunity to help people become more confident allies, peers, team members, and leaders. The thing is, being open to learning about Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity, open to learning about yourself, open to learning about others; open to learning about what you/we need to UN-learn...it all makes us better friends, siblings, and partners. This isn't just about being a better employee, it's not just about race or color, this learning is about humanity and being a better human. It's not easy, it's not comfortable, but we, our civilization, we're worth it. Please keep at it. We're in this together. #learning #learningtogether #differentdoesnotmeandiscord #equitydiversityinclusion #community #teamwork #leadership #inclusiveexcellence #studentoflife #culturalhumility #unlearn #restorativepractices #relationships #professionaldevelopment #growthmindset #socialjustice #learn #openminded #humble #humility #vulnerability #courage #difficultconversations #allyship

Warrior to Love: Show-Up I recently had an inspiring meeting with Councilman Michael Boylan from Jacksonville City Council District 6. It reminded me of the power of community engagement and the importance of taking action to drive change. Years ago, I considered a political career, but my wife and I decided it wasn't the right path for us. Instead, I focused on connecting with our local representatives, believing that true change starts with us. During our conversation, we discussed the book "A Quiet Revolution," which explores the history of Jacksonville's consolidation. Jacksonville Historical Society Both Councilman Boylan and I share a passion for history and a vision for progress in our city. We reflected on the challenges and the numerous failed attempts to unite and advance Jacksonville over the years. One of the biggest questions remains: how do you unite a community divided in the largest city by land mass in the USA? While I am still working on the answer, I know that getting involved and building relationships is a significant step forward. As a private citizen, I've had the privilege of connecting with some of the best professionals and actively participating in our community. My passion lies in solving problems and fostering resilience in relationships. Nothing happens unless you make it happen. It takes everyone to participate in creating and sustaining livable communities. Everything starts with you! Let's take action, show up, and work together to make City of Jacksonville the best place to live on earth. #CommunityEngagement #LocalLeadership #Jacksonville #WarriorToLove #ShowUp #Inspiration #TakeAction

Why Bryan Hough? Strategic Vision is at the heart of every decision. A lifelong Mount Holly, North Carolina resident, Candidate Hough understands our city's needs. Using the City's Strategic Vision Plan as a guide, quality growth over quantity is prioritized. Visit the website, www.bryanhoughformayor.com, for more details on Bryan's Vision for Mount Holly. #VoteForBryan #VoteBryanHough #BryanHoughForMayor #NorthCarolinaMayor #NcMayor #NorthCarolina #MtHolly #QualityGrowth #StrategicVision #GreenSpaces #ShopLocal #SupportLocal #VoteForChange #KeepMHMovingForward #MountHollyMayorElection #DeliveredResults #MountHollyVotes #StrategicGrowth #LocalLeadership #YourVoiceMountHolly #MountHollyTogether #ProvenLeadership #MountHollyLeadership #YourVoteCountsNC #BeElectionReady #MountHollyMatters #LeadershipInAction #MountHollyDecision #FutureOfMountHolly #VoteForMH

Purpose and Power in Our Profession As community parks and recreation professionals, we hold the key to unlocking transformative change in ourselves and those we serve. "Your purpose is where your power lives. When you combine [challenge] with purpose, you tap into an immense power to change yourself and others for the better. What if that was the whole purpose of the [challenge] to begin with?" - Dr. Jade Teta Every day brings new challenges in our work; view them as opportunities. Opportunities to make a difference, to create positive change, and to build stronger, more vibrant communities. The very essence of our profession lies in improving the lives of others and the places they call home. Approach our work with a clear sense of purpose and tap into an incredible well of strength and determination. Continue to be catalysts for positive change in our communities and ourselves. Every program, every project, every initiative, and every event becomes a chance to improve, to learn, and to inspire. We are not just planners, organizers, or administrators. We are agents of change, architects of joy, and builders of resilience. Our work is more than a job; it's a calling to enhance the quality of life for our neighbors, families, and friends. Let your purpose be your power, and challenges be the stepping stones toward a better tomorrow. #CommunityBuilders #PurposeDrivenProfessionals #ChangeMakers