Wednesday, Sep. 01, 2010
Raleigh asked to 'Exchange' ideas
Annual city event aims to bring neighborhoods together
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closeThere are probably few events that can truly bring a city together, but the seventh annual Raleigh Neighborhood Exchange aims to do just that.
The Exchange is sponsored by the city of Raleigh Community Services Department and brings residents from across the city together to talk about neighborhood issues and discuss ideas for the future.
This year's theme is "Motivating Without Money," which will try to show that members of the community can still find ways to be involved with neighborhood activities when money is tight.
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Date: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 18
Location: The McKimmon Center, 1101 Gorman St., Raleigh
Admission: Registration is $10 and covers a continental breakfast and lunch. To register, contact Charlene Willard at 919- 996-5718 or at charlene.willard@raleighnc.gov. Registration by Sept. 8 is encouraged.
For more information, call the Community Services Department at 919- 996-6100.
Donna Warner, an instructor at the UNC-Chapel Hill School of Government, will share ways to stay engaged in the community in the current economic environment.
Local community leaders also will share strategies for creating neighborhood organizations and revitalizing neighborhood businesses.
"Instead of hearing lectures, attendees will hear the firsthand experience of fellow citizens," said Charlene Willard, community specialist and coordinator of the event.
Topics range from community gardens, raising chickens in your back yard and beekeeping, to affordable housing and new community watch programs. The event also will feature more than 20 exhibits from city departments, boards and commissions.
"It's a great opportunity to learn about the wealth of resources that the city of Raleigh has to offer," Willard said. "I guarantee that anyone who attends will say, 'Wow, I didn't know the city did that.'"
Sessions also are planned for Spanish-speakers and teens. The sessions for Spanish-speakers will include topics such as, "How to Raise Successful Children in our Community" and "Improving the Environment and Health."
"This is a great opportunity to get the youth involved in local affairs," said Marge Bish, a past attendee. "After all, they are the future of the community."
