Getting to Know Community Works

 


Community Works is an organization, previously known as Great Lakes Urban, that helps activate the power of neighborhoods to create long-term, positive change.

Here’s how they do it:

1. Schedule a free discovery call. On this call, the staff will get to know your community, learn your goals, and explore the paths to get you there.

2. Find your program. Your community is unique, so everything they do at Community Works is customized to your context for the best support possible.

3. Activate your community's potential. An active, engaged community has the power to sustain the change you long for.

In 2008, this organization started in Zeeland, Michigan as Great Lakes Urban Restoration Network. Their goal at the time was to help neighbors through practical, needed home improvement.

They quickly realized something was missing; their vision was too small.

So the organization shifted.

Instead of solving one problem through home renovation, they asked what could happen if they helped neighbors connect with each other? That could solve hundreds of problems.

In 2014, this organization made the shift to helping neighborhoods create the social connection needed to create belonging and action.

What started as a single neighborhood in Holland soon became a movement across West Michigan that has stretched all the way to central Florida.

In 2024, the group officially changed to CommunityWorks but they continue powering vibrant neighborhoods and cities all across the United States.

MORE INFORMATION

Does this article make you interested in taking the Engaged Neighbor pledge? Five categories and 20 principles to guide you toward becoming an engaged neighbor. Sign the pledge online at http://engagedneighbor.com.

Contact the blog author, David L. Burton at dburton541@yahoo.com.

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