Schools As Centers of Community

(from Neighborhood Leader, Fall 2005 issue)

Dear Neighbor,

Our Schools As Neighborhood Resources (SNR) program, which we're highlighting in this issue, was originally created to address the need for recreational opportunities in Cleveland neighborhoods that were not served by recreation centers or settlement houses.

Recreation is not a luxury—it's an important part of community life. Our children and families need safe places to play. We adults need opportunities to relax and to explore new interests. And all of us need more exercise!

But as important as recreation is, I think SNR has the potential to be much more than a recreational program. As I see it, SNR is really about creating spaces where neighborhood residents can come together as a community.

They can come together to play, but they can also come together to learn, to share ideas, and to receive needed services. Furthermore, if we really believe that democracy requires participation by average citizens, then we must provide places where average citizens can come together to discuss the critical issues that affect their communities.

I think our SNR program has only scratched the surface of its potential. I would like to challenge the members of our network—the grassroots leaders who have graduated from our leadership programs—to step forward and make the SNR program even better.

This past year one of graduates did just that. Michael Matthews (NLC Class 19) brought a new tutoring program to the SNR sites. The tutors don't have to pay for the space, NLI doesn't have to pay for the tutors, and the children don't have to pay for the service. It's a great deal for everyone.

Think about how you might make use of an SNR site. Hold your community meetings there. Bring your youth groups. Get the social service providers in your neighborhood to offer services in the evenings at the school sites.

The opportunity is there for us. The buildings are open. The lights are on. Now let's make these schools true centers of community.

Warmest regards,

Don