Issue 2 |
"I am genuinely excited about contacting a community
builder to explore working together." |
Community Builders Form New Partnerships Sure, we’re all tired of hearing that over-used buzzword, "partnership," to describe our community building efforts; yet, we all know that the synergy gained from forming strong relationships with other organizations is essential to fulfilling HUD’s mission. This June, several Community Builders were operating on this principle when they served as HUD ambassadors at the national conventions of Big Brothers, Big Sisters of America (BBBSA) (http://www.bbbsa.org) and 100 Black Men of America, Inc. (100 BMOA) (http://www.100blackmen.org). Illinois Community Builder Michele Perez teamed up with Jack Melitio, Advisor to Deputy Secretary Saul Ramirez, to host a roundtable discussion with over thirty state and regional leaders of BBBSA. The roundtable discussion focused on how to make the connection with HUD and HUD partners. "I can’t tell you how responsive the BBBSA reps were," Perez said. "Once we were able to get the dialogue going, that is where we sparked interest and action. Most questions revolved around who to go through to make the HUD connection. Afterwards, we had a steady flow of visitors on the web who couldn’t wait to get on the kiosk and web to determine who is their local Community Builder." BBBSA currently serves over 100,000 children and youth in more than 500 agencies throughout the United States. According to an impacts study of the BBBSA mentoring model, children who are mentored for at least eighteen months are 46% less likely to buy illegal drugs and 53% less likely to skip class. "HUD aims to empower families and communities," says Perez. "Our role as Community Builders is to explain how HUD empowers families and communities—through programs, through partnerships, and through building relevant working relationships with others who strive to do the same. Groups like Big Brothers now have the ability to tap into our resources and our commitment to communities—it’s an exciting thing to be a part of." "The description of the intensity of the change at HUD made it clear that the agency created opportunities for new ideas and partnerships, said Becky James, President and CEO of Big Brothers, Big Sisters of St. Louis. "I am genuinely excited about contacting a community builder to explore working together." Community Builder Fellow Specialist Marvin Turner joined over 5000 mentors, leaders, spouses, and guests at the 13th annual conference for 100 BMOA. Over 120,000 young people have benefited from 100 BMOA, which provides mentoring to predominantly inner-city youth through local chapters throughout the United States. Turner coordinated federal agency and White House participation for a conference panel discussion on "Opportunities for Black Owned Businesses within the Federal Government." Michigan Senior Community Builder Regina F. Solomon served as the panel’s keynote speaker. Turner moderated the national panel and coordinated exhibit space for HUD at the conference. "It is important that HUD participate at events that convene representatives from numerous communities from across the nation, particularly those crucial organizations that help HUD reach its mission," said Turner. "This type of outreach helps to leverage the resources of other organizations with HUD to strengthen America’s communities." |
