New life for the Cole Neighborhood Association?

I got an encouraging email that I thought I should share on this site--It's from one of the new leaders of the Cole Neighborhood Association. I have been involved with the association in the past, but over time grew a bit frustrated at the lack of action--We always seemed to be long on talk about what we "should do" but never actually organizing any sort of true action. At some point I determined that I could get more done spending that hour on the phone with the city inspectors and/or police department to handle some action items in the neighborhood, than attending the meetings. A shame, but true. No doubt I should have stuck it out and been a more vocal and active member.

Now just to backtrack--A lot of credit for the association has to go to Loralie Cole, who used to run the association. Even as a busy mother and teacher, she poured countless hours into the organization. I know first-hand that it is a thankless job leading an all-volunteer organization, and she deserves a tremendous amount of credit for keeping the association alive.

I just think that with any organization, new blood is lifeblood, and am thrilled to see that there are new, equally engaged people participating. Hopefully Loralie will still be involved in some way to finally realize the fruits of her long, largely unrecognized labors. Thanks again, Loralie.

It will be interesting in what direction the association heads now. In the past, it seemed very conflicted about "the mission statement" and goals of the organization. Pro or anti redevelopment? How much effort should be spent trying to get largely apathetic neighborhood residents to participate? Can decisions that affect the entire neighborhood be made when the only active Association members are largely white middle-class residents?

Regardless, this email is very encouraging, and I hope it speaks for a new direction for our neighborhood. Sounds like it's time for me to plug in again. So here's the info:
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I wanted to inform you that the Cole Neighborhood Association will be holding a mid-month planning meeting on Nov. 8 from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. at 3280 Downing, US Bank Community Room. The main purpose of the meeting is to set a Strategic Plan for the CNA. EVERYONE is invitied and encouraged to attend!! This is an ideal opportunity and an exciting time to get involved; share your voice and help shape the future of the CNA. If you haven't come to a meeting in awhile, we'd love to see you on the 8th!

We decided to schedule this meeting because during our regularly scheduled monthly meeting on Thursday, Nov. 29th from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. we will be having the CNA Holiday Party . More about the party at the end of this e-mail.

Details regarding the Strategic Plan:
(The first hour of the meeting will be dedicated to the Strategic Plan)

At our last meeting on Oct. 25, The Economic Development subcommittee presented a Strategic Planning questionaire consisting of the following questions:

1. Why do we exist?

2. What is our vision for Cole Neighborhood?

3. What is our mission statement?
We decided that the goal for the planning meeting would be to answer these questions, after we all answer them for ourselves at home prior to the meeting. Now, all of you can do the same. In addition to these questions, we would like to address the Needs, Goals and Strategies for the Cole neighborhood.
What needs do we see in our community that we would like to address?
What are our goals in light of those needs?
What strategies do we need to develop to accomplish our goals?
For these questions, we'd like to begin brainstorming by writing down any and all ideas that come to mind. Then, at the Holiday Party, we'll ask everyone to help prioritize the list so that we can set a plan of action.
Please start brainstorming today and bring your thoughts and ideas to the meeting on the 8th. A Microsoft Word document with the questions is attached.
Details about the CNA Holiday Party, Nov. 29th, 6:00 - 8:00 pm.
(after a quick break, we'll use the last 20 min of the mtg to plan the party)

Again, we'd like as much participation as possible so that we can make our Holiday party a success. Items to be planned:
Food and Drink
Content for a flyer
Flyer Distribution
Activities for the evening, etc.

We hope to see everyone, and your neighbor, at both of these events. Start spreading the word today!

Best,

Sarah Shultz
Communications Subcommittee
Cole Neighborhood Association