“We spend a lot of time in community conversation asking ‘What if?’” said Chris Thompson, a team member at CDF.
Community members and attendees of Community Connections sat in the bleachers before him, watching him speak. Some represented local organizations, and others were residents, local parents, and interested parties.
“We asked ourselves: What if every resident got together to identify a project? What if there were a community fund that would back that project? What if that project were selected by the community every year?”
“And what if you had the opportunity to donate to the fund like you would to any other non-profit?”
The crowd of over 90 community members gathered in the gymnasium at the Atlanta Area School for the Deaf on June 13, listened closely as Thompson announced and explained the new initiative that the organization is introducing this year, called the Community Trust.
The Community Trust is a fund that will be used to advance a project identified by the community through a process of participatory, consensus-based decision making.
At the Trust Meeting, scheduled for August 15th, Clarkston residents in attendance will work together to determine what priorities, and what project, the Trust should focus on during the next twelve calendar months. Community members are considered to be anyone residing in the 30021 area code.
Residents will select a board of trustees possessing the skills and talents that will enable them to carry out the community’s vision for the project. These trustees will then hold quarterly meetings that will be open to the public, as they move forward on the agreed-upon project.
As Thompson finished speaking, he opened the floor to questions from the community. “How many people can be trustees?” one person asked. “What if our project generates more money?” another wondered.
For answers to many of these questions, or to learn more about the Community Trust, visit www.cdfaction.org/trust, e-mail info@cdfaction.org, or attend information sessions to be held on July 11 and July 25 at 12:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. each day. We look forward to working with you!