Project 20/20 invites Battle Creek to discuss aspirations

As Battle Creek positions itself to be a city that brings about positive change through its work as a Harwood Beacon Community discussions are going on across the community.

 

Kellogg Community College, the Chamber of Commerce, United Way, B.C. Pulse, Project 20/20, and the City of Battle Creek have started the conversations that are the first step in the process outlined by the Harwood Institute. 

 

The next opportunity for those in the community to be part of the discussion will be from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 26 at the Burnham Brook Community Center located at 200 W. Michigan Avenue in downtown Battle Creek.

 

Amanda Lankerd of Project 20/20 says the upcoming meeting will differ from some that have preceded it in that it will not be issue specific. Instead, those who attend will be in small groups to discuss their aspirations for Battle Creek, their main concerns, and what is getting in the way of accomplishing the goals residents have for the city. Education, health care, youth or the economic sustainability of Battle Creek all are among the topics that could be up for discussion.

 

Those who attend also will be asked what groups or individuals are those they trust to take action on issues or concerns and what people believe might make a difference in strengthening Battle Creek.

 

Participants are asked to come with ideas to discuss, especially regarding local neighborhoods and to "put on their resident hats," Lankerd says. 

 

All residents, businesses, faith-based and non-profit organization representatives, employees, students, parents, or interested individuals who want to learn more and get involved are invited to attend. RSVPs are requested. For further information and to RSVP send email to bcproject2020@gmail.com or call 269-830-1936.

 

Battle Creek is the first in the United States to be named a Harwood Beacon Community--a place where an emerging group of organizations and public innovators, those who inspire, guide and equip others to make change, are committed to working in a new way to understand what it takes to bring about change in a community.