2008 ~ DIVIDED WE FALL: CHALLENGES IN GREATER DAYTON

University of Dayton, Kennedy Union
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
8:00 am - 2:30 pm

When one talks about Dayton these days, the conversation always drifts to the state of the economy, schools, monthly bills, crime, car and housing repairs, grocery stores closings, foreclosures, payday lenders, race relations, politics, etc. The conversations beg an answer and, depending on who one is talking to, the answers are often varied and insufficient.

CityLinks 2008 will attempt to address some key issues that keep the conversation flowing on how to stabilize our economy and neighborhoods, how to avoid foreclosures, how to fight crime, how to build community when there is change, and how to develop links to our suburban counterparts.

WORKSHOPS

• Crime Only In Inner Cities
  If one would rely only on local TV news and/or newspapers, one would think that crime only exists in Dayton and not in the surrounding communities. We will discuss the facts and outline crime fighting strategies that work in the inner-city as well as our surrounding communities.
  
  
• Race Matters
  Dayton's racial and ethnic climate is changing. In east, northeast and northwest Dayton, we are seeing more Latino and African-American families. In north central Dayton, we have a resettlement community made up of Africans. Who in Dayton is building bridges of understanding and tolerance that promote racial and ethnic harmony in Dayton? Come listen.
  
  
• What about the Economy?
  One reads occasionally in the local news about the 21,000 job vacancies that exist in the Dayton community. Questions arise as to what type of jobs are available. Are they high wage positions requiring many degrees or low wage positions requiring GEDs or a high school diploma? Come listen to presenters discuss how these jobs will stimulate our local economy.
  
  
• Educational Differences
  A good education enables a young adult to go to college or technical school and get on track to become a productive citizen. Much has been said about educational standards and financing in city schools versus suburban schools. Presenters will discuss these issues and suggest what is needed to close the gaps.
  
  
• Commonalities with the Suburbs
  In the 60s thru the 90s the move to the suburbs was fueled by new highways, better schools, larger lot sizes for new homes, and less crime. This workshop will have local leaders discuss how commonalities with core cities have forced them to organize around those issues.
  
  
• Citizens ... the #1 Community Assets
  Many valuable assets go unnoticed within our neighborhoods. Join us and gain valuable information about development initiatives that include city and state organizations, community development corporations, non-profit organizations, universities, neighborhood financial institutions and more. Come and listen to innovative new strategies and revisit former strategies that build communities one neighborhood at a time. Most importantly, begin to recognize citizen as the community asset.