CORE CLASSES
The Community University program offers a four-part series of core classes which cover fundamental topics helpful with strengthening neighborhood organizations. The core classes for the fall/winter 2008 series are:
Developing Vision and Mission Statements
Having a shared neighborhood vision and mission is fundamental in achieving neighborhood goals. This workshop teaches participants the importance of having a shared neighborhood vision, the purpose of a mission statement, and how to create or revise these statements in order to transform a neighborhood's desire for the future into a reality.
Financial Management for Neighborhoods
A strong neighborhood organization not only has an effective board and involved members, but also employs responsible financial practices. This workshop explains basic skills needed by neighborhood organizations to help develop strong financial management practices best suited to their specific needs.
Methods of Neighborhood Communication
Internal and external communication is vital in achieving the neighborhood organization's vision and goals. This workshop discusses tips and techniques for using various communication methods including newsletters, flyers, press releases, and email trees to effectively communicate the organization's needs.
Increasing Participation and Teambuilding
Neighborhood organizations often have a core group of dedicated residents who share a common goal of bettering the neighborhood. This workshop explains how to increase neighborhood participation beyond a core group by using different techniques, such as recruitment strategies and recognition tips, and how to build a unified team by using the organization members' differences and similarities to achieve common goals.
HOT TOPICS
The "Hot Topics" series addresses many of the key issues and concerns facing neighborhoods throughout Charlotte. The topics for the 2008 fall/winter series are:
Neighborhood Organizing
Creating and maintaining a strong foundation for a neighborhood organization is imperative for neighborhood success. This workshop provides an overview of the role of neighborhood organizations, the basics of neighborhood organizational development, characteristics of effective neighborhood organizations and a discussion of tips, techniques and general practices that make some organizations stronger and more successful than others.
Inside the Quality of Life Study
The City of Charlotte produces a citywide assessment every two years analyzing the quality of life among all of the neighborhoods. This workshop provides a general overview of the 2008 Quality of Life Study including an explanation of the study's history, method for categorizing neighborhoods, how the study is used by local government and other agencies, and the overall impact of the study on policy decisions. Participants also have the opportunity to learn about their neighborhood's Quality of Life ranking.
Neighborhood Networking
Neighborhood organizations are completing creative, industrious projects and tasks throughout Charlotte. This work session allows neighborhood residents the opportunity to come together to actively collaborate and problem solve on common issues facing most neighborhoods regardless of size or location.
Good Neighbor
Many neighborhoods share common and potential problems including frequent violations of City ordinances and zoning laws, inability to effectively manage conflict, and lack of common neighborhood courtesies. This program educates residents on basic good neighborliness including the proper process of reporting code violations, the different methods of conflict management, and other helpful resources to keep a neighborhood healthy and stable.
Project Management
Neighborhood organization leaders and members express frustration at the tendency to do the same tasks again and again without gaining the desired result. This workshop teaches participants how to develop realistic plans for results-oriented projects and how to develop effective project management skills to prioritize, plan and manage projects from start to finish.
Grant Writing for Neighborhoods
Securing additional funding through grant programs helps neighborhood organizations complete projects and activities. This workshop provides basic instruction on the grant writing process and includes an exploration of resources, evaluation techniques and general grant application guidelines.
February
McCrorey YMCA
3801 Beatties Ford Road
6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
2/3/09 Your Neighborhood Organization: Basics and Beyond
2/11/09 Developing Our Future: Mobilizing Youth for Neighborhoods
2/19/09 Technology Tools for Your Neighborhood
2/24/09 Fun with Neighborhood Fundraising
Register
March
Methodist Home Recreation Center
3200 Shamrock Drive
6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
3/4/09 ABCs of Zoning Development
3/10/09 How Are We Doing: Neighborhood Checkup
3/19/09 501c3 Status and Neighborhoods: What it Means for You
Register
April
West Boulevard Library
2157 West Boulevard
6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
4/2/09 Your Neighborhood Organization: Basics and Beyond
4/7/09 Developing Our Future: Mobilizing Youth for Neighborhoods
4/16/09 Technology Tools for Your Neighborhood
4/21/09 Fun with Neighborhood Fundraising
Register
May
Morrison Regional Library
7015 Morrison Boulevard
6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
5/6/09 Gang Awareness
5/11/09 Good Neighbor Program
Register
CUSTOMIZED TRAINING
Beyond the Core Classes and Hot Topics series, customized trainings are also available for neighborhood organizations. If your neighborhood has a specific need, contact us to arrange for a customized training workshop. Topics include, but are not limited to the following:
Leadership
Block Captain Training
Board Training
Effective Meetings
Engaging Neighborhood Stakeholders
Identifying Neighborhood Assets
Mobilizing Youth for Neighborhoods
Organizational Basics
Can Do Committees
Developing Bylaws
Developing Vision and Mission Statements
Elections Made Easy
Problem Solving and Strategic Planning
Resources
The ABC's of Zoning and Development
Code Enforcement
Considering 501©3 Status
Maximizing Diversity in Neighborhoods
Understanding Our City Government and Services
Neighborhood Finances
Establishing a Budget
Fundraising for Neighborhoods
Grant Writing for Neighborhoods
Neighborhood Matching Grants Pre-Application Workshop
Communication
Communicating with Government and the Media
Conflict Management for Neighborhoods
Effective Communication
Good Neighbor Program
Newsletters and Communication Strategies
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