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News :: Miscellaneous |
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Minutes from Exploratory Meeting for N. Champaign Activity Ctr., 3/7/01 |
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by S. Meinrath
(No verified email address) |
08 Apr 2001
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These are the minutes from the exploratory meeting for the planning of a North Champaign Activity and Community Center, held March 7, 2001. |
EXPLORATORY MEETING
Do families in north Champaign need a Family and Community Activity Center?
Wednesday, March 7, 2001
Location: University of Illinois Extension Office
MINUTES
? The Meeting Began at 11:58 a.m.
Welcome and Background (20 Minutes)
? Gladys Hunt officiated the meeting. Ms. Hunt asked everyone present to introduce
themselves. After everyone was introduced, Ms. Hunt spoke of the need of a community
center in the north Champaign area. She thanked extension for their role in making this
meeting come to fruition, told everyone that the lunches were on the way and that when
the lunches had arrived, we would temporarily adjourn the meeting to get lunch and re-
group to discuss this further.
? Sascha Meinrath asked everyone present if they would agree to him taping the meeting
for the benefit of individuals who were not present. Also, for anyone who would be
interested in hearing the meeting, the tape would be at the Video Media Center, which is
located in downtown Champaign.
? The meeting adjourned at 12:03 p.m. so that everyone could get lunch.
Small groups discussion (15 Minutes) Do families in north Champaign need a Family and
Community Activity Center that offers educational activities based on community needs?
What kinds of needs might exist?
? The meeting began at 12:06 p.m. Ms. Hunt gave the history of Partners for Progress.
Ms. Hunt then suggested that the larger group separate into smaller groups of 4-5 people
and brainstorm on ways in which this community activity center can best serve the needs
of community members. Furthermore, it was recommended that there be one parent per
group, if possible.
? After 15 minutes of mini ?brainstorming sessions,? each group spoke about the ideas
that they came up with.
Small Groups Report to Full Groups (10 Minutes): Create a ?Needs Map?
? Regina Langhorn [Spokesperson]: spoke of a needs assessment that would also
consider the needs and resources of the community members. Given the density of the
northern Champaign area, Gina mentioned a ?floating space? for this activity center. Also,
Urban League Programming was suggested. Also, the need to respond to children of various
age groups was suggested.
? Ann Bishop [Spokesperson]: drew upon the needs assessment by Cynthia {Cindy} and said
the cooking and basic computer training skills is what parents wanted for themselves and
music and tutoring were what adults wanted for their children. A book mentioned by Ann
Marie, Homework without Tears,? might also be beneficial in teaching parents how to
encourage their child/children to do homework. Seniors training for new jobs. Helps parents
to be tutors themselves. ?Clearinghouse? Resources. Library Information Services -
research good sites on the Internet.
? Constance [Spokesperson]: spoke of Market/Recruit; a ?mentor-type? individual to
keep parents involved. For example, many parents enter programs to get their GED?s but
don?t complete this process. Why? Perhaps a ?Parent Partner? can help them reach their
individual and family goals. Programs for Fathers: Why? They are so often overlooked.
Yet, we have many single fathers as well as grandparents who are rearing their children
alone, or, with minimal assistance. Trades that would peak the interest of adults. Resume?
training. Kids {Arts, Drama, Computer Training/Usage}.
? Valerie Werpetinksi [Spokesperson]: spoke of creating technical workshops; a ?true?
community center (congregation space for adults and children); Liaisons to other
organizations around town. Advisory Committee Council. Flexible options (gathering
space).
? Bob ? [Spokesperson]: spoke of organized groups of people to go to the School Board and
advocate for their own needs! Fine arts program - ?see a bigger world.? They can also do
this by dance, theater, or other non-traditional sports activities such as golf or tennis.
Resource training - how to create the best resources for oneself. Community Newsletter.
Barter/Trade-Off System. If one parent is a barber and the other is a mechanic, have them
perform services for other families in exchange for other services. Network with businesses;
Job Fair.
? Ms. Hattie Paulk [Spokesperson]: spoke of the importance of maintaining a relationship with
African-American males who have a child/children but who are currently incarcerated.
Many of them sell drugs, which is very lucrative for them. We know that these options ?are
not the way to go,? but how do we get these young Black men to re-direct their current way
of life for something else? We?re losing our Black males. Also, it might be good if people
in the community could make garments and sell them for profit.
? Minister Byron Smith from St. Luke commented that in his observation, local church
organizations have their own agendas. However, it would be best for the community if
these church organizations worked together for the benefit of the community. Ms. Smith
said that ?We?re all in this together, so, we need to remember that.?
? Thom Moore commented on the ?incredible energy and interaction? that was present in
the room and wanted to know, ?What is our next step?? and ?Where will we meet
again??
? Minister Byron Smith then suggested that each group can focus on a particular area, go
with their particular group to discuss this and come back to discuss it. Be a part of
something that you?re passionate about.
? The next steps will be to:
1. Needs Assessment
2. What facilities are good? Which sites? Are they computer accessible?
3. Be an active part of what you need
4. Work with all churches and have them come together to work as one
? Angela Wiley suggested that everyone identify a group that has a focus that they are
particularly interested in and to actively work with that group.
? Before leaving, it was agreed that we should meet in smaller groups 2-3 weeks from
today and then schedule a larger meeting so that we can report to the larger group on the
progress that each group has made.
? The Meeting Adjourned at 1:10 p.m.
Committees
Needs and strengths assessment and commitment to action
1. Steve Davis
2. Constance Glass
3. IMC Representative
4. Cassandra Baker
5. Ann Bishop
Facility/Sites
1. Keri Forsyth
Faith-Based Organization
1. Byron L. Smith, Sr.
Fine Arts
1. Mark Enslin
Funding
1. Angela Wiley
Clearinghouse and Committee
1. CeCe Merkel
2. Karla Lewis
3. Bob Boyden
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