HAPPY NEW YEAR
CANA started this new year with its usual vigor. We gathered on Tuesday to celebrate the work completed in 2010 and to prepare to reach new heights in 2011.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Our accomplishments in 2010 were many. Given that our first meeting took place in August, we accomplished much in a short time frame. Our accomplishments included:
Dynamic Website created
We received compliments from members of the police department, community organization and residents. If you haven’t seen it, take a look.
Garnered support from outside of our 16 blocks
We have been successful in attracting Austin residents who live south and west of our area. We have also enjoyed the support of some Oak Park residents.
Presented safety concerns at Police Board Meetings
In October and November, we stood up for our community at the monthly Police Board Meetings. We elevated our demand for equitable police service to their senior management level.
Completed Watch Dog Training by the Better Government Association
CANA members learned how to become more effective at holding our elected officials responsible for their work.
Supported Education
We raised and donated $250 to the Scholarship Fund at Third Unitarian Church. Their scholarships are a resource for Austin residents.
Made our community more visually attractive
We picked up trash and cleaned the entire 16 block area. We planted three corners with plants and flowers.
Shared a meal with our community
We held a pot-luck community dinner. And a good time was had by all.
Forged partnerships with new and existing organizations
- Third Unitarian Church has provided solid support since our first meeting. They continue to allow us to meet in their space.
- Austin Coming Together has benefited from volunteer work performed by CANA members. We designed their website. We are leading some of the efforts on the Economic Development committee.
- Dominican University is exploring ways to assist the Austin community. CANA members are planning to assist them with that effort.
PARTICIPATION
CANA membership increased dramatically. Our accomplishments reflect the work of our members.
Number of
Participants
17 Delivered flyers to homes and businesses at least once between August and December
14 Stood up for our rights at the Police Board Meeting in November
10 Participated in setting up the CANA meeting room or clearing the meeting room at least one time
10 Donated a dish to the Holiday Celebration
8 Donated money to the scholarship fund
7 Donated money to cover the cost of refreshments at a meeting
5 Covered the cost of printing flyers for the meetings
5 Delivered flyers more than one time
5 Participate in meeting set up more than one time
4 Donated paper
1 Protest Letter writer
There is room for everyone “to be in that number” .
WORKING GROUPS
At the meeting, we broke into working groups to begin work on the projects of interest for 2011. Please contact the named facilitator if you would like to work on a stated project. If you want to add your effort on another effort, please let us know.
Education Lizette Marshall
Festival Luwanda Johnson
Clean Up Marvin Marshall
Plantings Jane Shirley
Police/Safety Ron Reid
We want to start early to identify and plan for our activities for 2011. We do not want to wait until the last minute.
We discussed some efforts that are taking place that need our attention. They include:
- Magnet school for Austin
- Police Response time data
- January Police Board Meeting
Members were given information and instruction on how to provide support.
2011 should prove to be more productive than 2010. We hope that everyone continues to lend their support and spread the word about the changes that are taking place in our community.
