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TextBecome an Active Partner in Your Community Through Neighborhood College and the Leadership Institute
The Braddock District Community Engagement Initiative
seeks to foster stronger connections between people and their
communities, strengthen our neighborhoods and help improve the quality of
life in the Braddock District.
Below, you will find information on two programs that will
teach you how to step forward and make a difference in your community. If
you would like to sign up and join us for one or both of these
educational opportunities or are just looking for more information
contact the office at 703-425-9300 or braddock@fairfaxcounty.gov.
Braddock Leadership Institute - Saturday, January 23, 2010
Ideal for those on boards or considering community
leadership. Students will learn:
•Their role in creating a “thriving community”
and responsibilities of volunteering and board leadership
•Leadership skills, including running successful
meetings, volunteer recruitment and cultural competency
•Fidicuary responsibilities of organizational
leadership, e.g., how to read financials and how to be financially viable
in a down economy
Participants also will have the opportunity to engage with other students to discuss ideas for a community action plan for their home owner’s association, civic association or community-based organization.
Braddock Neighborhood college - Two sessions: February-March and
April-May
Ideal for those who want to make a difference but aren’t
sure where to start. Graduates use this program to help their neighbors,
become involved in local issues, take on leadership roles in their
communities and volunteer. Students:
•Learn about local government; meet elected
officials and leaders
•Learn what makes Braddock unique and meet
community-based organizations
•See how to build partnerships and
consensus
•Learn effective participation and leadership
skills, including engaging diverse communities
Students must be able to attend and participate in scheduled classes (held once a week, evenings, for six weeks) and activities.
Community Engagement Tip of the Month
Volunteer Solutions has numerous opportunities to help older adults or adults with disabilities who live within minutes of your home. Here’s just a sample:
* Transportation to medical appointments
* Social visits
* Grocery shopping
* Meals on Wheels delivery
* Household tasks
Mileage reimbursement and flexible volunteer hours are available.
Call 703-324-5406, e-mail DFSAAAvolunteer@fairfaxcounty.gov or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/aaa/vol_opps_fcn.htm. Volunteer Solutions is a program of the Department of Family Services’ Division of Adult and Aging Services.
Braddock Neighborhood News: George Braunstein, Community Services Board Executive Director
Last month, Braddock Neighborhood News aired an interview with
David Ellis, the Neighborhood Services Coordinator for the County
Executive, and Ken Disselkoen, the Director of the Department of Systems
Management for Human Services. The interview, supports the launch of
Supervisor Cook’s Community Engagement Initiative in Braddock
District.
Supervisor Cook and his guests discussed both changing
the nature of the relationship between citizen and local government away
from a government-centric model, shifting instead towards using the
government as a facilitator, and how the upcoming Leadership Conference
and Neighborhood College can help community leaders to tackle these
challenges in their own neighborhoods.
In this month’s edition, Supervisor Cook interviews
George Braunstein, Executive Director of the Community Services Board. We
learn about our neighbors living with intellectual disabilities, mental
illness, and substance abuse as well as the difficulties faced by those
who may be living without a home during this holiday season.
Helping these neighbors is a collaborative effort
between government, non-profit agencies, and neighbors willing to offer a
helping hand. Supervisor Cook hopes you can take some time to tune in
this month to learn more about the significant and complex challenges
these neighbors face and what role we – as their neighbors – can play in
helping them.
Braddock Neighborhood News airs on Fridays and Sundays at 5 p.m. and Wednesdays at 7 p.m. on Channel 16 and can also be viewed online, 24 hours a day, at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/cable/channel16/vod.htm
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