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Burlington’s Center for Community and Neighborhoods (CCAN)
and several community partners are poised to launch an initiative to create a more
welcoming community embracing our diversity and global
connection. The We All Belong Initiative is designed to
enable us to tear down the systems that perpetuate poverty,
racism and social inequity. The initiative is primarily
tailored to reach the school community and those most
affected by poverty.
- to create a welcoming environment for ALL in the
rapidly changing face of our community
- for all our youth to be successful in our community
by creating a safe and supportive learning environment,
access to programs and services
- to support parents and low-income residents to have
greater access to programs, services and engagement in
the schools and greater community
- to address the mounting tensions felt by area
service agencies (particularly those serving youth)
impacted by the changing demographic
Burlington’s changing demographic has created a complex web
of challenges. The resettling of refugees, immigrants and
other people of color coupled with the challenges brought on
by the reintegration of offenders from prison, a transient
student population, a high concentration of poverty and an
overburdened public sector constitutes that complex web.
Citizen concerns have noticeably shifted from the
quantifiable quality of life issues (playgrounds, traffic,
trees etc.) to the more subtle and profound issues of race,
class and culture. Many residents in Burlington are unaware
of the challenges faced by their neighbors living in
poverty. The emerging needs call for us to deepen our focus
and understanding of how issues of race, class and culture
are shaping our future.
AmeriCorps members will catalyze change making Burlington
a more welcoming place to call home. AmeriCorps members will
impact the lives of people living in poverty, people being
discriminated against, and people unable to break out of the
racial and socio-economic 'hidden' rules of society.
Examples of AmeriCorps service may be:
- increasing parent involvement in schools for
historically underrepresented groups
- engaging baby-boomers and students as volunteers in
schools (such as parent liaisons)
- increasing participation of children (especially
from diverse backgrounds) in extra-curricular programs
(soccer, arts, literacy, community service events)
- improving the voice of historically underrepresented
people by reducing barriers to civic opportunities
- increasing outreach and access to historically
underrepresented groups to basic services and benefit
opportunities (food, housing, healthcare, financial
literacy)
- increasing mentoring opportunities
- supporting existing school initiatives
- supporting non-profits currently focused on getting
youth and parents building fabric of the community
through dialogue and activities
For more information about the AmeriCorps program, click
here. |
