Rebuilding Together Hosts Seminar for Revitalizing Rural Communities
Rebuilding Together Platte Valley East had the privilege of participating in the National Seminar on Community Revitalization, held in June in Greenville, North Carolina. The seminar was made possible thanks to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Rural Capacity Building grant. The theme of this year's summit, "Revitalizing Communities," resonated deeply with our mission, and we were thrilled to engage in meaningful discussions and learning sessions alongside 16 other affiliates.
The seminar focused on the Seven Principles of Community Revitalization Partnership, offering a comprehensive exploration of strategies to bolster our rural communities. Guided by the results of the Community Revitalization Partnership self-assessment completed in January 2024, the seminar covered critical topics relevant to our collective goals.
Day One: Inclusive Leadership Behaviors
Day one was dedicated to delving into inclusive leadership behaviors that align with the principles of a community revitalization partnership. These principles are crucial in addressing historical and current practices contributing to housing inequity, enhancing cultural competency and fostering active listening. Our team found these sessions particularly valuable, as they provided insights into creating more inclusive and equitable communities. The discussions helped us understand the deep-seated challenges in housing equity and equipped us with tools to improve our cultural competency and active listening skills.
Day Two: Staff Development and Community Engagement
During day two, we focused on topics identified as most valuable by our affiliates. These sessions were centered around staff development, succession planning, community partnerships, program quality, advocacy and fundraising.
The insights gained from these sessions are poised to enhance our operational effectiveness and community engagement strategies. We discussed innovative approaches to staff development and succession planning, which are essential for sustaining our efforts in the long term. Additionally, exploring community partnerships and advocacy strategies reinforced the importance of collaboration in achieving our mission.
We returned from this trip with a renewed commitment to revitalizing our communities and a wealth of strategies to implement. The collaboration and learning we experienced have strengthened our resolve to make a lasting impact in our rural communities. Thank you to all participants and organizers for an inspiring and productive seminar. Together, we are making strides towards a brighter future for our communities.
You can learn more about the impact of our community revitalization partnership approach by clicking here.