If You Involve Them, They Will Come — Tuesday, February, 10 at 3 p.m. (EST)

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How can centers craft appealing programs for residents and reach out to build awareness and enthusiasm for center programs? How can staff approach residents to request their participation in the planning and execution of activities for their center? What can you, as center staff, do to encourage their participation?

Neighborhood Networks centers face many challenges. Surprisingly, among them is seeing that residents utilize the center that has been provided for their use. Many centers have focus groups to recognize and utilize the skills of residents who stand out as leaders, and seek their suggestions on activities and programs that might be useful for the center. Other centers conduct simple surveys to solicit ideas from their residents, indicating that residents' opinions are important and useful. If staff will involve residents in the development of such programs, staff can be imaginative and creative about organizing programs and services.

Utilizing the experience of center staff that has risen to these challenges, this call will illustrate methods to get the diverse populations of Neighborhood Networks centers in the door and keep them engaged in center activities.

During this discussion, participants will learn about:

	Encouraging feedback from residents in the development of programs.
	Engaging and reinvigorating residents.
	Raising the awareness of the center among residents and the community.
	Creating a center that is welcoming for residents.

How the Call Works

Dial toll-free (877) 852-6581 and ask to be connected to the Neighborhood Networks conference call. Please be prepared to provide the operator with your contact information.

Please call between 2:45 and 3 p.m. (EST). The conference call begins promptly at 3 p.m.; however, you may join the call at any time.

For more information, contact the Neighborhood Networks Information Center, toll-free, at (888) 312-2743. The hearing impaired may access Neighborhood Networks via TTY by calling the Federal Information Relay Service, toll-free, at (800) 877-8339.

Additional questions or ideas can be posted on the Neighborhood Networks discussion board.