Activism That Fits Our Needs (and our schedules!)

Hi Everybody,

First it was 15, then 24, then last night, 32.

Last night's meeting was a major step in progress: 32 people attended and we finally established the canton groups that will be sending representatives to the Steering Committee Meeting on December 8th, headed by Mayor Panto.

This is how the Urban Ecology (Canton) Program works: The West Ward was awarded over $700,000 in grant money from Easton Hospital and Lafayette Ambassador Bank to improve the quality of life in our neighborhood. The Steering Committee decides how to spend the grant money for this project, based on input from the Cantons (that's us!) and the four subcommittees (Neighborhood Physical Quality, Community & Economic Development, Natural Resources, andHuman Resources & Public Safety).

After the next canton meeting, we will not have to have meetings so often, because each canton will be able to get together at times that work for them, and can send representatives to the larger canton meetings if they cannot attend because of work or other obligations. This way, everyone's desires for the neighborhood will represented and heard--all the way up to the Steering Committee and the mayor.

Last night, there was much discussion about the proposed expansion of the juvenile detention center on Ferry Street, as well as the impending tax hikes in the mayor's proposed budget. Everyone understands the importance of attending City and County Meetings in the upcoming months (strength in numbers), and what it might mean for our neighborhood. Then everyone broke into their cantons introduced themselves, exchanged contact information, brainstormed the ideas they'd like their cantons to bring to the attention of the Steering Committee, and decided when they'd like to meet on their own. This is the whole point. This is the beginning!

The next greater canton meeting will be:

November 24th, Mon., 7pm
Boys & Girls Club
1101 Northampton

Not only have there been more people at each new canton meeting, but many of the people have been new each time, which means we've already drawn 40-45 people to the canton meetings so far, so the momentum is really starting to happen. If you haven't been able to come yet, put the next meeting on your calendar and come find out what canton you live in, who else is in your canton, and what ideas and concerns your canton will be taking to the Steering Committee in December. Come share your ideas and have a say in how the grant money will spent on the neighborhood! : )

See you there--and spread the word!
Noel