Neighborhoods USA Conference 2019

Representatives from RNeighbors attended the Neighborhoods USA Conference on May 15–18, in Palm Springs, California. Along with getting to learn from the over 800 neighborhood and city leaders from all over the United States and even farther, we presented a workshop to a room full of interested and enthusiastic attendees.

Workshop Title: Empowering Neighborhood Leaders: The Power of a Party
PDF of Presentation
Link to Video Shown

Workshop Summary
This session was a focused but quick-moving look into how Rochester, Minnesota neighborhoods have gone through challenges that threatened their group cohesiveness but they learned that social activities bring out, engage, and connect their neighbors. In addition these “parties” have a surprise ripple effect that empowers and nurtures new members to share their interests and take the lead on neighborhood efforts.

Takeaways – Lessons your neighborhood can use

• Working with Humans is Tough
  Conflict happens when people work together. It’s ok. Keep an open mind, listen, and try to honor all opinions. Decide when to move on.
• Mix It Up
  Have leadership AND events as diverse as your neighbors are.
• Unexpected Champions
  Be on the lookout for those neighbors who are passionate about something and empower them to play a part.

To those of you who attended our workshop, we thank you for letting us share some case studies from Rochester neighborhoods on rebuilding neighborhood groups and engaging unlikely volunteers, as well as sharing about some of the resources we provide. As promised, a PDF of the PowerPoint presentation is posted above, along with direct links to specific projects and handouts at the bottom of this post. We’ll also be posting photos taken at the conference on the RNeighbors facebook page. Once again, thanks for your well thought out questions and excitement. It was a fun session to give and we’d love to answer any further questions you may have via email.

Workshop Presenters

• Cathy Clermont, Slatterly Park Neighborhood
• Kelly Corbin, RNeighbors Board
• René Halasy, RNeighbors Executive Director
• Tim Hawkins, Kutzky Park Neighborhood & RNeighbors Board

Info Covered in Presentation
About RNeighbors
RNeighborWoods
Neighborhood Project Grants
RColorful Corners
Litter Bit Better
Block Party Trailer
Movie in a Box
Ordinance Highlights Booklet
Neighborhood Awards
Kutzky Park Neighborhood Association
Slatterly Park Neighborhood Association 

Handouts
Community Tree Planting How-to Guide
Neighborhood Project Grant Application
Grants Blank Judging Score Sheet
Creative Crosswalk How-to Guide
Creative Crosswalks – Revocable Permit
Ordinance Highlight 201

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