Panel discussion on Downtown Demographics topic at July meeting

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Permalink Reply by Robert Wiard on July 31, 2011 at 7:14pm

Thank you for hosting this panel. It wasn't quite what I expected (although I'm not quite sure exactly what I expected) but I was pleased with the turn-out and it was nice having faces to attach to local organizations. I don't think I learned anything new (and why was Women'sSpace there?) but I felt the interaction was very productive during the "open mic" portion; a good deal of honoring/respecting there. A good start, I think, to a process. So I have a suggestion for a follow-up 2nd panel : A panel moderated by a rep from Cahoots or The Dining Room or an experienced interviewer and entirely composed of homeless people -- who they are, what their circumstances and experiences are, what their feelings and suggestions and needs are, etc. I would anticipate that this panel might be somewhat "difficult" at first, but by giving folks a spotlight and taking their lives seriously I would also anticipate that after awhile substance and focus would result. The previous meeting's "open mic" showed me how a little attention and respect is desperately needed so that further communication and more positive interaction can occur. Definitely a risk but the rewards could be huge.

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Permalink Reply by Sue Wolliing on August 2, 2011 at 10:25am

Another way someone suggested to promote positive interactions among the various sorts of people in the downtown area might be to develop a program for street performers (musicians, jugglers, craftspeople, dancers, artists, etc.) to be able to get a permit easily to perform/sell at a designated site downtown, and accept donations.  (The model for this idea is Pearl Street in Boulder). If successful, this might liven up the streets with constructive activity, allow the performers to make some money and avoid hassle, help residents to appreciate the talents of some people they didn't know were there, and even draw more people into the area.  Any suggestions for how to make this happen, or what it should look like?   Or how to avoid problems that could easily occur with such a plan?

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Permalink Reply by David Mandelblatt on August 2, 2011 at 2:01pm

First: thanks to everyone who attended the meeting last week.  It was great to see that so many people care!

 

There are a few ideas out already about follow-up activities.  A couple of them involve panel discussions or forums which would present members of the homeless community as panelists.  This idea is definitely achievable. especially if we have a few folks who are willing to work on putting it together.

 

Anyone willing to help put together a meeting featuring homeless folks as presenters should come to the Steering Committee meeting on Wednesday, August 24, at 6PM, in the Public Library's Singer Room (second floor) or e-mail us at

                                dna.eugene@gmail.com

 

Sue's idea about checking into the Boulder model for street performers, etc., should also come to that meeting or e-mail us.

 

And, of course-- if you have any other idea or comment, please feel free to post it here or on the e-mail site.

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