HRM – Do you envision a community where public art mobilizes civic engagement? Where skate parks give way to nature trails, which give way to playgrounds? Where the local community centre bustles with a diversity of community members?
Don’t we all? HRM doesn’t suffer from a shortage of creative ideas for neighbourhood improvements (remember that whole “human energy” concept we’ve been harping on?) — the key question is their effective execution. The fear of being bogged down in funding folly and logistical labyrinths is enough to deter even the most energetic of humans. Luckily, HRM Volunteer Services has training opportunities on all kinds of themes related to organizing community projects, from how to navigate municipal processes to assembling volunteers.
This weekend’s Annual HRM Volunteer Conference is a community organizer’s how-to haven. Workshops topics include operating a community centre, youth engagement, community art, and organizing events (hello, winter block parties).
WHAT: Annual HRM Volunteer Conference
WHEN: Nov 21-22
WHERE: Holiday Inn Harbourview, 101 Wyse Rd, Dartmouth
COST: $45. Act fast, as registration closes tomorrow, Nov 18th.
Also, next week’s workshop on developing outdoor facilities promises to provide guidance as to the municipal processes, project planning, and funding it takes to get a basketball court, skate park, or other such facility up in your community. This wraps up a month-long workshop series pilot project, with a modified and improved second-run coming up in January.
WHAT: Workshop on Developing Outdoor Facilities
WHEN: Nov 25th
WHERE: Bloomfield Centre, 2786 Agricola St, Halifax
COST: Free. Email registration closes two days previous.
photo by Kris Griffon