The Problem
Not a problem, but a goal: Bring leaders and organizations in West Oakland more closely together, to help each other improve the community and the neighborhood.
The Process
[this document is still evolving]
Step-by-step
1. The Council of Acorn Residents, led by West Oakland native Janet Patterson, invited 100+ leaders in West Oakland, including heads & staff of nonprofits, faith-based groups, schools, city agencies, police. See link to invitation and agenda under "Resources" below.
2. Prepare logistics, setting, F&B, entertainment, parking, staffing, security – Organized mainly by the Council of Acorn Residents, and staff of the Town Center at Acorn.
3. Conduct the event (see Agenda and Results below)
4. Evaluate it (see Sample Evaluation Form under Resources below)
5. Try again
6. Suggesting and voting on ideas – to prepare for the second Salon, CAR asked those they invited to suggest and choose among ideas for events, activities, or projects that community leaders could do together. The most popular ideas involved large festive events (neighborhood festivals, mega-block parties) and sharing (shared calendar, directory, database of resident interests, needs, and skills). See results under Resources below (West Oakland Ideas)
7. The people have spoken (be prepared to adapt) – While we’re generally able to stick to the agenda and schedule, community leaders have minds of their own. Be prepared to stick to the plan, or to change the plan on the fly. One thing that shouldn’t change is the length of the meeting; be done when you say you’ll be done, if not sooner. And try to keep the schedule on track – most people appreciate that, even if it means suggesting to some people that they can stop talking now.
8. What now? Some participants suggested that next events focus on joint projects, while others just want to network. The next event will be in June 2011, your ideas are welcome.
Step-by-step
1. The Council of Acorn Residents, led by West Oakland native Janet Patterson, invited 100+ leaders in West Oakland, including heads & staff of nonprofits, faith-based groups, schools, city agencies, police. See link to invitation and agenda under "Resources" below.
2. Prepare logistics, setting, F&B, entertainment, parking, staffing, security – Organized mainly by the Council of Acorn Residents, and staff of the Town Center at Acorn.
3. Conduct the event (see Agenda and Results below)
4. Evaluate it (see Sample Evaluation Form under Resources below)
5. Try again
6. Suggesting and voting on ideas – to prepare for the second Salon, CAR asked those they invited to suggest and choose among ideas for events, activities, or projects that community leaders could do together. The most popular ideas involved large festive events (neighborhood festivals, mega-block parties) and sharing (shared calendar, directory, database of resident interests, needs, and skills). See results under Resources below (West Oakland Ideas)
7. The people have spoken (be prepared to adapt) – While we’re generally able to stick to the agenda and schedule, community leaders have minds of their own. Be prepared to stick to the plan, or to change the plan on the fly. One thing that shouldn’t change is the length of the meeting; be done when you say you’ll be done, if not sooner. And try to keep the schedule on track – most people appreciate that, even if it means suggesting to some people that they can stop talking now.
8. What now? Some participants suggested that next events focus on joint projects, while others just want to network. The next event will be in June 2011, your ideas are welcome.
The Results
Report on first Salon: see Resources section below - “Solutions Salon” Brings West Oakland Community Together
Oakland Local coverage of second Salon: see Resources section below - Community groups make connection in West Oakland (Slideshow)
Oakland Local coverage of second Salon: see Resources section below - Community groups make connection in West Oakland (Slideshow)
