Workshop: Sharing the Load to Beautify Your Neighborhood

Have you ever wondered how Mr. Green keeps his yard looking so beautiful or how that garden got started in the public right-away?  If so, this is just one of the reasons this workshop is right for you! We’re going to show you how to connect with your neighbors to make your block or neighborhood look great!

We will also be discussing how to start time banking or a barter system in your neighborhood, so that you can use the expertise of others for free! Learn how you can find inexpensive ways to update and beautify the exterior of your home. If you’ve ever heard the expression, home is where the heart is, then you know exactly what we are striving to achieve – beautiful homes that not only impact our lives, but our neighbors as well!

Workshop: Communication Tools – Tried & True!

Is your neighborhood group just starting up and you feel like you need some advice on how to communicate with each other and your targeted audience? Maybe you’re not ready for a Website, Facebook or any other online form of communication?  Well then, this workshop may be just what you need.

We are planning on taking you back to the days when print media was the only option! We will provide examples of form letters, phone trees, emails, newsletters and fliers that are designed to assist your group with all of your day-to-day activities. Learn how to get your word out in a very simple and convenient way – old school style!

Workshop: Meet the Agencies Supporting Attractive Housing

Have you ever wondered who’s making Lansing’s homes look a little more appealing? If so, this is your opportunity to meet them.

Joining us for this workshop will be Eric Schertzing, President of the Ingham County Land Bank, along with Kimberly Whitfield, NSP Manager. They will enlighten you about NSPII (a huge neighborhood stabilization initiative). Jana Nichol and Lance Queen from the Greater Lansing Housing Coalition will also be there to teach you how to use HERO, Tool Truck and Tuesday Toolmen. Representing Franklin Housing, Bill Acheson will be there to give you the scoop on housing counseling services and more.

All of these folks are important allies and partners in ensuring that the homes in your neighborhood are healthy, attractive and affordable. Let them help you strengthen your neighborhood!

Workshop: Gardening: Growing Food, Flowers & Community

Did you realize that a community garden is a great asset! Well, this session is here to offer you ideas, models, resources, and inspiration for bringing your neighbors together around gardening projects in your community.

This session will teach you how to improve your health with exercise and fresh healthy foods. Whether it’s a garden bed or a garden box, you will learn how to create spaces where you and your neighbors can share work, fun, sunshine and food.

Workshop: Advocating for Social Change

Are you interested in helping to create change in your neighborhood by communicating with local boards, schools or even addressing the City Council of Lansing? Maybe your interested, but a little hesitant to do so? If so, join us in learning how to address your elected officials, start a committee or join an existing one, run for an elected position, frame an issue, file a petition, as well as locate funding for your neighborhood. It only takes one individual to make a difference! Could that be you?

Workshop: Creating Fun in Your Neighborhood

It’s not just a park; it’s a starting and an ending point for an adventure race! It’s not just an old school building; it’s the perfect location for a community concert! It’s not just a pool; it’s the next location for an outdoor swim meet. Isn’t it time that we utilize these great assets for more than what they were originally intended for? This workshop will teach you to do just that!

Learn about some of the great events that are going on in a few of the Lansing neighborhoods. Follow these communities as they take full advantage of the wonderful public places and spaces they have so close to home! Remember, fun neighborhoods make happy people! Happy people create great neighborhoods!

Workshop: Virtual Networks: Neighborhoods of the 21st Century

If you’re like the rest of us, you want to be more involved in your community, but don’t have a lot of time to invest. Come listen to a panel of forward thinkers who have brought “neighborhoods” into the new millennium – online! Learn how you can join these online groups with common interests, or start your own!

Workshop: Greening our Neighborhoods: Parks, Trails & Gardens

We all want to live in a green and healthy city, right?  This session will cover exciting projects that are moving us toward the enhanced “Greening” of Lansing.  We will focus on complete streets, pedestrian and bicycle-friendly neighborhoods, as well as how to get involved in creating lively, appealing neighborhood parks.  This session is very timely, given the City’s budget and the need for assistance in keeping our parks beautiful.

Workshop: Building Strong Neighborhood Organizations

Join us as we outline some of the many ways to create a strong,
healthy and productive organization, as well as point out some of the most common pitfalls to avoid. Learn tips from experienced organizers, while they provide you with an entertaining hour of useful information. If you are interested in starting any type of new group or just feel you need to rejuvenate an existing one, then this workshop is for you.

Workshop: Strategies for Building Neighbor Relationships

Each of us has something that makes us unique and interesting. We see this everyday by observing our neighbors. We may have a neighbor that walks for exercise or a neighbor that likes to enjoy a nice cold lemonade on their front porch. Without even knowing it,  they are helping to create a sense of community.

While it’s obvious that our communities are filled with a diverse group of individuals and families, the question remains – do you really know your neighbors? Do you know their first name? Do you know what they do for a living? If you haven’t had a chance to introduce yourself or aren’t sure how, this workshop is for you. Join us as we explore how to develop and sustain relationships with a diverse group of fantastic neighbors, all the while connecting your neighbors with each other.

Workshop: Neighborhoods Without Borders

Do you want to get involved with a Lansing group that meets regularly and face-to-face, but you’re not sure what’s out there? Come listen to a panel of dynamic speakers from various groups around town. From professional networking to volunteerism, there is something for you! Don’t be afraid to get involved in the discussion!

Workshop: Partnering with the City to Stabilize Neighborhoods

Take an in-depth look at the inner workings of the city code compliance system, how the laws work, and the process each officer must follow. Learn about the “Red Tag Monitoring Program” and the demolition process. This workshop will also help explain not just how things are done, but why. Lastly, learn how to apply for the permits needed for street closures and noise wavers, which are necessary to hold block parties and other community events. There will also be a virtual tour of the city web-site, showing how to access maps, forms and other useful items within.