Being sponsored by City Hall in an election year, this all-day event (with a free lunch) will likely be highly 'political'.
On the other hand, it can be a real opportunity for potential leaders to learn how city govt works (or doesn't work) at the neighborhood level. And an opportunity to meet, & form relationships with, other potential community leaders.
One test will be whether there is any discussion of how endless, massive subsidies for "newbuild" housing citwide (often in places where folks did not live when the city population was over 2X larger) in a steadily shrinking city with about 25,000 housing vacancies makes things in neighborhoods much worse, not better.
http://www.buffalonews.com/cityregio...ry/737051.html
Region’s block clubs scheduled to gather Aug. 1 for conference
By Brian Meyer, NEWS STAFF REPORTER, July 18, 2009, 6:55 AM
Improving safety and quality of life in neighborhoods throughout Erie County.
Making it easier for citizens to get results when they contact City Hall.
Promoting healthier lifestyles.
These are only three of numerous themes that will be showcased at a first-of-a-kind conference that will be held Aug. 1 in the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center.
About 20 block club leaders and other community activists gathered on the steps of City Hall Friday as Mayor Byron W. Brown announced the first annual Citizens Empowerment Conference.
The theme of the free event is “making a difference one block at a time.” Workshops, panel discussions and other activities will aim to create dialogue on common problems facing many communities. Participants will discuss solutions and learn about many resources that exist to tackle everything from decaying buildings and vacant lots, to graffiti and environmental issues.
“We’re due for change out there in the neighborhoods,” said Linda J. Freidenberg, president of the Board of Block Clubs of Buffalo and Erie County. “We want the quality of life to improve in every area.”
By participating in the day-long event, said board Vice President Ada Hopson-Clemons, neighborhood leaders could make a long-term difference in their communities.
“Their block clubs should get stronger because of the information they’ll receive,” she said.
Anyone can attend the conference, which is sponsored by the Independent Health Foundation, the University at Buffalo and other groups. Organizers are hoping at least 500 people from across Western New York will attend the event.
Henry Louis Taylor Jr. of the University at Buffalo’s urban and regional planning department said the conference is built around a simple premise.
“In order to remake and rebuild the city and the region, we have to involve the people,” he said.
The event will include an awards presentation to honor individuals who have helped to improve their communities.
The city will absorb about $8,000 in conference costs, said Citizen Services Director Oswaldo Mestre Jr. The other sponsoring groups have agreed to finance about $12,000 in expenses. Other sponsors include the Board of Block Clubs, Community Action Organization of Erie County, the Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority and the Western New York Prisoners Re-Entry Coalition.
Participants are encouraged to preregister for the conference, which will be held from 8 a. m. until 5 p. m. A free luncheon will also be provided.
For more information, contact Buffalo’s Call and Resolution Center at 311, or 851-4890.
Information is also posted on the Web atwww.city-buffalo.com/conference.
bmeyer@buffnews.com
www.city-buffalo.com/conference
Citizens Empowerment Conference
Saturday, August 1st 2009
8:00 am – 5:00 pm
The Buffalo Niagara Convention Center
153 Franklin Street
Buffalo, NY 14202)
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REMINDER:
Tomorrow is the Block Club Conference in the Convvention Center, where hopefully Mickey Kearns will take advantage of the Mayor's 'politically-correct' election year event to meet some potential voters he might not otherwise reach on his very tight budget.
And there is the police auction, where Syaed Ali's many bags of his family's personal possessions siezed by cops last November might be for sale.
And there is the mortgage foreclosure workshop sponsored by NYS Senator Thompson.
Interesting stuff! And all FREE!
And potentially important!
I wish I were in town to see it all!
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