September 11, 2012 - Mobile, Alabama - In September and October, area residents are invited to participate in public forums on strengthening communities in South Alabama. The forums will be held in the cities of Evergreen, Butler, Monroeville, Thomasville, Atmore, Chatom, Daphne, and Mobile. They are presented by The Community Foundation of South Alabama and facilitated by the David Mathews Center for Civic Life.
The public forums provide citizens an opportunity to share their concerns, identify public issues, and think through potential actions that can be taken at the community level to address problems. Each forum is part of a series of conversations that will take place throughout the South Alabama region.
During the initial forums held last winter, participants from various communities throughout the eight-county footprint of the Foundation were provided a special opportunity to identify both the needs and assets unique to their communities. As a continuation of the exchange, participants will be given a chance to further prioritize needs, and to develop actionable solutions designed to enhance the quality of life and economic vitality of our region.
Forum partners include: Reid State Technical College, Choctaw County Chamber of Commerce, Monroeville Area Chamber of Commerce, City of Thomasville, Atmore Chamber of Commerce, Washington County Public Library, Baldwin Housing Alliance, and the American Red Cross Alabama Gulf Coast Chapter.
“By engaging in an inclusive dialogue and idea-sharing process, residents will not only help inform the future activities of the Foundation, but will collectively identify high-priority issues and work together to craft solutions,” said Alvertha Penny, president and chief executive officer, The Community Foundation of South Alabama.
The community forums are free and open to the public. Check the schedule below to find a forum near you.
September 20, 2012
Evergreen, AL
5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Reid State Technical College, Edith A Gray Library, L 116
October 4, 2012
Butler, AL
5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Choctaw County Bus Shop Conference Center, 198 E. Pushmataha Street
October 9, 2012
Monroeville, AL
5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Monroeville City Hall, 125 E. Claiborne Street
October 15, 2012
Thomasville, AL
5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Thomasville Civic Center Auditorium, 559 West Front Street
October 16, 2012
Atmore, AL
5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Atmore Chamber of Commerce, 501 Pensacola Avenue
October 18, 2012
Chatom, AL
5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Washington County Public Library, 14102 St. Stephens Avenue
October 25, 2012
Daphne, AL
5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Daphne High School, Trojan Hall Auditorium, 9300 Champions Way
October 30, 2012
Mobile, AL
5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
American Red Cross, Alabama Gulf Coast Chapter, 35 North Sage Avenue
For more information or to RSVP call the Community Foundation at 251-438-5591 or e-mail info@CommunityEndowment.com.
About The Community Foundation of South Alabama
The Community Foundation of South Alabama is a public charity that plays a key role in meeting the needs of South Alabama through leadership and grants. More than $63 million in grants have been awarded since 1976 by the Foundation to nonprofit organizations to support programs that make life better in the region. The Foundation builds lasting endowments to ensure grants are available to support the community forever. For more information visit www.CommunityEndowment.com
Contact: Stephanie Ryan
Phone: 251-438-5591
Email: sryan@CommunityEndowment.com
About The David Mathews Center for Civic Life
The David Mathews Center for Civic Life is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, non-partisan, tax-exempt corporation. Its purpose is to foster infrastructure, habits, and capacities for more effective civic engagement and innovative decision making. More information can be found on the center’s website: http://mathewscenter.org
Contact: Chris McCauley
Phone: 205-665-9005
Email: cmccauley@mathewscenter.org