COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP & ADVOCACY

by lindsey.williams,

CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.

Please provide comments at the bottom once you have reviewed the action items

GOAL: Community of Leaders and Advocates

Sources: SNP, CC

Build a Multi-Generational Sunnyside Community Coalition

(HIGH Priority)

ACTION STEPS: Develop a resident-led, cross-generational task force to organize and expand civic engagement and advocacy in Sunnyside through outreach, volunteer events, and festivals; Expand outreach efforts both inside and outside of the community, utilizing innovative tools, such as social media, texting, flyers, block walks, mail, and other methods to ensure residents are connected to resources and information

COORDINATION

Community: Sunnyside NST | Role: Organize, Implement
City: Mayor’s Office of Complete Communities | Role: Support
Community Connectors: Unity is Wealth, Area Churches, Schools, and Civic Organizations, Houston Area Urban League | Role: Support

Organize community development summits

(MEDIUM Priority)

ACTION STEPS: Organize and convene an annual summit on community change, gentrification, and economic diversity strategies for community development; Sponsor a national conference in Sunnyside to bring together community development corporations and showcase best practices

COORDINATION

Community: Sunnyside NST | Role: Support, Implement
City: Mayor’s Office of Complete Communities, Planning and Development Department | Role: Support
Community Connectors: Unity is Wealth, Texas Housers | Role: Support

Develop and expand community leadership

(MEDIUM Priority)

ACTION STEPS: Identify partners to develop and host seminars, leadership training sessions, and panel discussions that expand community leadership and provide information on the processes, tools, policies, and strategies needed to pursue community goals

COORDINATION

Community: Sunnyside NST | Role: Outreach, Implement
City: Mayor’s Office of Complete Communities, Planning and Development Department | Role: Support, Implement
Community Connectors: Area Churches, Schools, and Civic Organizations, Unity is Wealth, LISC Houston, IEDC | Role: Support, Implement

Support and connect senior residents to resources

(MEDIUM Priority)

ACTION STEPS: Develop outreach strategies that target area seniors to ensure they are connected to educational, financial, transportation (METRO Lift), health, and support programs and resources, including programs such as Meals on Wheels, senior programs at YWCA, Johnson Public Library, and Sunnyside Multi-Service Center

COORDINATION

Community: Sunnyside NST | Role: Outreach, Implement
City: Mayor’s Office of Complete Communities, Department of Neighborhoods | Role: Support, Implement
Community Connectors: Area Churches and Civic Organizations | Role: Outreach

Conduct annual neighborhood surveys and focus groups

(LOW Priority)

ACTION STEPS: Organize and administer annual neighborhood surveys and host focus groups to provide an ongoing understanding of community needs and priorities

COORDINATION

Community: Sunnyside NST | Role: Organize, Implement
City: Mayor’s Office of Complete Communities | Role: Support
Community Connectors: Area Churches, Schools, and Civic Organizations | Role: Support

GOAL: Well-Resourced Community

Source: SNP

Inventory local and national partners and funding resources

(MEDIUM Priority)

ACTION STEPS: Create an inventory of existing resources and partners in Sunnyside, including local leaders such as students, parents, school alumni, principals, HISD administration and officials, and external partners; Create a list of potential funding and grants available for specific projects, including those in this plan

COORDINATION

Community: Sunnyside NST | Role: Implement
City: Mayor’s Office of Complete Communities | Role: Support, Implement
Community Connector: Leadership Houston | Role: Support

Develop an online Sunnyside Community Resource Guide

ACTION STEPS: Develop an inventory and online guide of community programs and resources and host on Council District D website

COORDINATION

Community: Sunnyside NST | Role: Implement
City: District D, Planning and Development Department | Role: Support, Implement