|
June 2002
Hello, and welcome to the June issue of the National Civic League's
email newsletter. This monthly communication will provide information
on the activities and accomplishments of NCL and links to information
on a variety of topics relating to NCL's mission.
The National Civic League is a 108-year-old non-profit, non-partisan
organization dedicated to strengthening citizen democracy by transforming
democratic institutions. NCL accomplishes its mission through technical
assistance, training, publishing, research, and the All-America
City Award. The National Civic League is headquartered in Denver,
Colorado, and has an office in Washington, D.C. For more information,
call 303-571-4343 or visit www.ncl.org.
This newsletter is by subscription only! You are receiving this
newsletter because you requested a subscription on our website.
If you would like to unsubscribe, look for instructions at the end
of this newsletter.
|
|
Recognizing Collaborative Community Achievements
 More
than 1,500 people celebrated community building at the 53rd All-America
City Awards, an event that took place June 13-15 in Kansas City,
Missouri.
The delegates, representing 30 communities from throughout the
country, gathered for an exciting, suspense filled, weekend. Scenes
of diverse delegations, clad in their matching All-America City
T-shirts, chanting, cheering, presenting their cases, all served
to make this event a life changing experience for anyone who attended.
 The
All-America City Awards competition began Thursday with a raucous,
celebratory Orientation session. NCL president Christopher T. Gates
greeted those in attendance with the message that they, by virtue
of their efforts to improve their communities through active citizen
involvement, were the true ambassadors of democracy. Thursday also
featured workshops showcasing the Kansas City region’s local
community-building initiatives, and a workshop where past AAC winners
shared advice and insights with this year’s finalists. A Welcome
Reception featured “A Taste of Kansas City,” where delegates
were treated to barbecue, jazz bands and party games for the younger
attendees. Throughout the day many of the finalist communities also
went through their formal rehearsals of their AAC jury presentations.
Presentations started on Friday. Finalist communities told stories
illustrating their collaboration and consensus-based problem solving.
They highlighted three projects that have significantly impacted
the community in light of its challenges, resources and circumstances.
These 10-minute presentations were substantive in nature and included
a broad cross-section of community members. The 10-member Jury,
made up of national leaders from the public, private and non-profit
sectors and representing organizations with an interest in citizen
action, then would take 10 minutes to question the presenters. Friday
evening, the Civic Action Fair and Cultural Entertainment Showcase
gave the finalist communities an opportunity to exchange information
and exhibit their unique cultures and characteristics.
 On
Saturday, after the Jury Presentations concluded, delegates toured
the City of Fountains and visited the local shops and eateries.
The Kansas City Host Committee organized activities for the youth
in attendance, including trips to the ice-skating rink and zoo,
and a picnic in a nearby park.
Throughout the 3-day event, NBC News, Fox News, CBS News, ABC News,
The Kansas City Star, and media representatives from many
of the finalist communities reported the events, and captured the
emotions as the ten All-America Cities were announced Saturday evening.
The 2002 All-America Cities are (in alphabetical order):
Tuscaloosa-Northport Region, Alabama
City of Anchorage, Alaska
City of Fountain, Colorado
City of Elgin, Illinois
City of Roswell, New Mexico
Buffalo-Niagara Region, New York
Town of Huntington, New York
City of Weslaco, Texas
City of Hampton, Virginia
City of Everett, Washington
For more information, please visit the All-America City website
at www.ncl.org/aac or contact
NCL staff at 303-571-4343.
|
