I realized I’ve been writing about how we’re restructuring our community group in our newsletter (sign up for it using the form to the left!), but haven’t said anything on here. Well, let’s change that.
We began this group because we saw a need to bring the community together, raise awareness about certain issues, and give a long neglected corner of Raleigh more of a voice. But beyond these general aims — and our focus on pulling off our first big neighborhood event — we hadn’t given our group a whole lot of structure. Now that the Haywood Hustle & Hoedown is all wrapped up though, we thought it was time.
So during our September general meeting, a group of us got together to discuss how we want to keep things moving forward over the next few months (and even years). In other words, we talked about the big question on everyone’s minds: What’s next?
A lot of ideas, it turns out. Too many. So we decided to put some form to this energy and organize ourselves into what we’re calling clubs and committees. After discussing neighborhood and community needs, weighing those against our own particular strengths and interests, and taking into account what the group itself was in a position to do, here’s what we came up with:
🎨 Arts & Culture Club: This committee is focused on beautification projects of all sorts. Near-term projects include a mural on Haywood St. and local gardening opportunities.
🍊 Special Projects: This committee is involved in a number of initiatives, such as food insecurity and supporting the unhoused. Definitely an immediate need for this work!
🗞️ Communications and Marketing: This is what our newsletter is all about! But this committee is also looking at new ways to get the word out and engage the community.
📋 Strategic Planning & Engagement: This committee is working on organizing the many other ideas floating around in order to figure out priorities and set up the larger community group for long-term success. Kind of meta, but necessary!
Several of these clubs and committees have already met and started making plans, which we’re excited to start sharing with y’all. We think this is going to be a great way to keep our goals as an organization focused and realistic while still meeting the needs of the wider community.
As always, we’re looking for more volunteers! All of these committees are open to anyone who wants to be involved. If you want to contribute or are just curious to learn more info, go ahead and fill out the contact form on our website.
Stay tuned for more information soon!