Project Summary

Youth and adults will utilize a participatory process to define needs and create a Community Vision Map. Action groups will plan and implement project to address the needs. A network of support of community programs, colleges and politicians will assure the effectiveness and sustainability.

About me

I am an "older" person who has devoted that last 19 years of my life to community development and working with young people (YouthPower). Their enthusiasm to work together and sincere desire to make a difference continues to inspire me. I work with my colleague Jose Colon to run a neighborhood after school program and also am coordinator of a project to develop strong and effective partnerships between local colleges and community groups. I have developed many strong connections with youth programs, community organizations and organizers, local networks and local colleges. My colleague, Jose Colon is a master at working with youth, my Youth Task Force colleagues have much influence in the community and my college connections give me access to many resources. My track record and personal connections will be very helpful in assuring the success of this project. It is clear to me that lasting change can not occur without strong networks of support and my passion now is build these networks to enable youth and community members to make a real and lasting difference. I helped to produce the award winning YouthPower Guide, have written several articles and made a presentation at in international conference in Scotland on this subject. This grant will provide the opportunity for me to put into practice my ideas for building a network of support and structures to enable youth and community members to have a voice and become more effective catalysts for change in their communities.