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Invitation to Information Meetings on the Northway Plan for Poverty Reduction For more information call Angela Dawson at 612-529-8828 or 612-521-2986, e-mail [EMAIL PROTECTED] or [EMAIL PROTECTED] North Minneapolis residents and organizations serving the North Minneapolis community are invited to attend any one of these Community Information Meetings Wednesday November 7, 2001 6:30 pm-8:30 pm Webber Park 4400 Dupont Ave North- Theme: Values/Vision/Mission Saturday November 10, 2001, 9:30 am – 12:00 pm North Commons Park, 1800 James Avenue North - Theme: Review of Entire Plan Wednesday November 14, 2001, 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm Folwell Park, 1815 Dowling Avenue North, Theme: Community Goals & Strategic Goals Thursday November 15, 2001 , 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm, Harrison Park 503 Irving Avenue North- Theme: Connections & Collaborations Saturday November 17, 2001, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm, Creekview Park 5001 Irving Avenue North, Theme: Action Plan and Implementation Can you envision? "North Minneapolis as a welcoming community where people of diverse backgrounds and experiences sustain and continue to develop their economic, physical, relational and spiritual well-being?" Give your input! Have your say! This is a unique resident lead plan, were our voice is heard. Hundreds of North Minneapolis residents and other community members have been engaged in an 18-month planning process aimed at reducing poverty and creating opportunities for wealth and asset creation in their community. The plan, tentatively called the Northway Plan for Poverty Reduction & Wealth Creation, focuses its efforts on engaging traditionally marginalized residents in defining how the process can best benefit those who are most in need. The planning process leading to the NorthWay Plan began at the invitation of the Northwest Area Foundation, which identified North Minneapolis as a candidate for its Community Ventures Program in July 1999. With its high poverty rates—nearly 50 percent in several of the neighborhoods—and strong community identity, North Minneapolis offers potential for real change and learning. "Diversity in its true sense has been one of the most difficult and most empowering exercises in this process," said Angela Dawson, Project Manager for the Northway Planning initiative. "The strength of this plan," according to Reverend Paulette Sankofa of Colorful Threads, which hosts various Circles of Unity, that contribute to the plan, "is the diversity of experiences and opportunities this plan embraces. We are building community through connections, not boundaries." The North Minneapolis Team at the Northwest Area Foundation has worked with community members throughout the 18 months and continues to actively support the plan development. Speaking for the Team, Frank Schweigert welcomed the Northway Draft Plan. "The completion of this NorthWay Draft Plan is already a significant milestone for this community. It can now support the ongoing dialogue among community residents and organizations about the best ways to achieve the shared vision for fighting poverty and building community in North Minneapolis." Community Review and Input Meetings will be held at various locations during November. Message forwarded by Sean Gosiewski, 9th Ward |
