CLI Conference / Neighborworks Grant Projects- Summer 2007 and Fall 2009
As an awarded member of Neighborworks , and following their mission to foster leadership in the EKNA organization- the NKCDC regularly invite a delegation of EKNA members to the annual Neighborworks Community Leadership Institute.
The participants chose from dozens of workshops related to community organizing. They took tours of the host cities which are usually urban areas in transition. At the end of the Conference, the group is asked to brainstorm a project, to excercise the knowledge gained in the workshops. A $2,000 grant is awarded by Neighborworks to fund the project.
With the 2009 award, the CLI group has planned a project to research and promote the role of ‘block captains’ in the Fishtown, Kensington, and Old Richmond areas.
In 2007 the CLI group decided on a neighborhood-wide project distributing large size planters with flowers, perennials. A workshop was held for residents featuring NPR’s famous gardening guru Mike McGrath. Residents of targeted blocks were offered planters at a tremendous discount for outside of their homes, complete with the ingredients to make them flourish throughout the growing season.
Generous advice and cost saving provisions were afforded by Marlene Buck- manager of New Kensington CDC’s Garden Center. Thanks to Marlene for your dedication!
NOTE ** In 2006 EKNA members also attended the Neighborworks CLI in Florida. They were awarded funds for a project of their choosing- as a result several permanent trash cans were custom designed and installed on Frankford Avenue.
