Eric Smith – Think Tank

Over the course of a week, from March 21 to March 28, a core group of Lincoln residents came together to discuss one of the issues that the community had described as being a top priority for the neighborhood – increased recreational opportunities for children and youth.

During the first meeting, the group described the issue and then brainstormed and organized possible solutions (see below). At a follow-up meeting, the group developed priority areas and action plans to implement the change they wanted to see. Their plan called for the creation of two work groups – the Bobcat Elites work group with a focus on athletics and the Promise Fundraisers with a focus on resource development.

In the three weeks since this community action group formed, the Bobcat Elites work group has further developed their plan and met with the appropriate leaders at the local Elementary School where they intend to hold twice-weekly sports clinics and organized play time on Saturdays. They have been busy recruiting volunteer coaches in order to be able to offer the program for free to area children and youth. They are also seeking out curricula to integrate team-building and character building lessons into their sports activities.

Meanwhile, the Promise Fundraisers work group has begun to further develop strategies for raising money to, among other things, cover the cost of purchasing sports equipment. Plans are in the works for fundraisers like cookouts with a “Promise” menu, community garage sales, and more.

What a fun example of what can be accomplished when residents gather around the issue that they care about enough to act on!

RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR CHILDREN & YOUTH WORK TEAM

March 21, 2011