Morning Workshops 9:45 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.
 

How Does Your Garden Grow:
Community Gardens for Fun, Food and Fellowship

Discover the benefits of a community garden! Hear about how it has provided food, fostered spirit, and forge friendships. Local, sustainable farms, gardens, and integrative educational programs empower you to grow food and provide inspiration to form communities dedicated to healthy living and environmental responsibility.

Topics:
• What is a Community Garden?
• Benefits to a neighborhood
• Economic Factors
• Steps to starting a Community Garden
• Much more!


The Empty House Next Door:
Managing the Neighborhood Impact of the National Foreclosure Crisis

The lingering results of foreclosure can be seen in every neighborhood in metro Atlanta. Foreclosures not only impact families who lose their homes, they also lead to a number of disastrous outcomes for neighborhoods – increased violent crime, vandalism, lower property values and lower tax revenues for local governments. And the problem is only getting worse. Data from 2010 Census reveals that the 10-county region has nearly 200,000 vacant and abandon homes. But there are measures residents and neighborhoods can take. Join us for a panel discussion on steps that concerned neighborhoods can take to manage the fallout of the foreclosure crisis. Come hear about one Atlanta neighborhood that is working collaboratively to ensure a brighter future for current and future residents.


Leadership Development for Homeowners' Associations

Learning the Basics: Do you know the purpose and mission of a homeowner’s/neighborhood association? Are you interested in starting one in your neighborhood? This session will provide you with the ABC’s of creating a homeowners/neighborhood association in your community. You will be given successful tools that will help you develop one from the ground up; learn the functions and operations of an association; and plan for the future of your community. You will also learn the value of a homeowner/neighborhood association and its role in leading community y change.


Not just for grown-ups: Engaging Young People in Civic Life

This will be a facilitated face to face meet-up with youth and adults sharing information and ideas on how to engage more young people in the issues of the region as well as foster youth participation and engagement at the neighborhood level. Hear from youth groups who are making a difference in the issues of their community and or the region.


Special Lunch Panel Discussion 12:00 p.m. – 1:15 p.m.

Regional Transit: What It Is, What It Isn't, and What It Means for Your Neighborhood

What exactly does “transit" include? Is it coming to my neighborhood? What’s the cost of “transit"? What are some of programs that transit will include? What impact does transit have on the economy, quality of life and the environment? Hear from leaders in the community who are working on the Transportation Reform and can share important information.

 

Afternoon Workshops 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Regional Transit: What It Is, What It Isn't, and What It Means for Your Neighborhood

What exactly does “transit" include? Is it coming to my neighborhood? What’s the cost of “transit"? What are some of programs that transit will include? What impact does transit have on the economy, quality of life and the environment? Hear from leaders in the community who are working on the Transportation Reform and can share important information.


Leadership Development for Homeowners Associations: Sharpening your saw

Sharpening your saw: Do you wish to promote engagement among the residents of your community but don’t know how? Are you challenged with complacent neighbors? Learn effective ways, grassroots leaders and homeowners have engaged their communities by empowering their residents to be active; getting them excited about living in your community, and involving them in solution-focused initiatives. In this session, you will hear from residents who have work with successful homeowner’s/Neighborhood associations and improving their overall communities.


Learn How to Host a Neighborhood Summit in your Community

Hear from a county leader and volunteers that have hosted a County Neighborhood Summit following the regional Neighborhood Summit. DeKalb County has hosted a summit for its resident for the past two years. Learn how to get started and how it benefits your neighborhood.

More Money!

Learn how to apply for a community grant and how to leverage the funds received. The Neighborhood Fund, a panel of diverse small grants programs, will share strategies to that has increased their neighborhood’s capacity to leverage resources and more bang out of their money!