Living in Birmingham, AL, you're part of a vibrant, historic city brimming with opportunities for civic engagement. As a college student, you have the unique chance to shape your community through art, culture, and innovative projects. Here’s how you can start making a difference today:

Embrace Local Art

Birmingham’s art scene is a rich tapestry of creativity, offering countless ways to get involved. Visit local galleries, attend art shows, or volunteer at art festivals. Engage with local artists and collaborate on community murals or public art projects. Your participation not only beautifies the city but also fosters a sense of pride and unity.

Celebrate Culture

Dive into Birmingham's diverse cultural heritage. Participate in cultural festivals, explore the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, or join local cultural clubs. These experiences deepen your understanding of the city’s history and contemporary challenges, enabling you to contribute meaningfully to its cultural landscape.

Start Community Projects

Identify issues you’re passionate about and initiate projects to address them. Whether it’s organizing neighborhood clean-ups, starting a community garden, or launching a local recycling initiative, your efforts can lead to significant positive changes. Collaborate with local organizations and fellow students to maximize your impact.

Connect and Volunteer

Volunteer with local non-profits or community groups. From mentoring youth to helping at food banks, your time and skills can greatly benefit Birmingham. Plus, volunteering connects you with like-minded individuals dedicated to making a difference.

By engaging with Birmingham through art, culture, and community projects, you not only enrich your college experience but also contribute to the growth and vitality of the city. Love your city, and let your actions reflect that passion!

In the dynamic landscape of the professional world, the ability to think creatively is a valuable asset that can drive innovation and problem-solving. In this blog post, we'll explore the significance of creativity in the workplace and spotlight creative approaches that professionals in small to midsize cities can incorporate to enhance their professional lives.

Fostering a Creative Culture:

Creating a workplace that fosters creativity involves cultivating an environment where employees feel encouraged to express their ideas and think outside the box. Explore strategies such as flexible workspaces, brainstorming sessions, and team-building activities that inspire a culture of innovation.

Arts Integration:

Integrating arts into the workplace can stimulate creativity and fresh perspectives. Consider incorporating visual art, sculptures, or murals in office spaces. Additionally, organizing art-related events, such as exhibitions or workshops, can provide employees with opportunities to engage in creative activities outside their usual work routines.

Design Thinking for Problem-Solving:

Highlight the principles of design thinking as a creative problem-solving approach. Encourage professionals to adopt this method, which involves empathy, ideation, and prototyping, to address challenges in their respective fields. Emphasize the power of collaboration and diverse perspectives in finding innovative solutions.

As professionals, embracing creativity in the workplace not only enhances problem-solving but also fosters a more dynamic and engaging work environment. By incorporating creative approaches, professionals in small to midsize cities can elevate their work and contribute to the growth and innovation of their organizations.

A week or so ago, there was a news feature about AI & ChatGPT. It listed entertainment among the industries to be hardest hit (negatively impacted) by AI. So, of course, I asked my friendly neighborhood chatbot the question.

With its “response” in mind, I'm revisiting an e-book I summoned last year that addresses this very topic. Would love to hear your thoughts about it. “Summoned” because it was written with assistance from the chatbot as well.

Interestingly enough, the topics covered in the e-book (lyrics generation, social media management, music composition, tour planning, and career development are a bit different from the ones generated by the most recent prompt.

Admittedly, this is only the beginning. But these broad topics allow the reader to dig a little deeper and begin to develop more probing questions, which result in more targeted responses.

-submitted by Christopher Hall, Sustainable CSRA, https://Sustainablecsra.org, 803-640-5551
**

On December 1, 1955, Rosa Parks was asked to give up her seat to a white person, to which she said “No”. Her defiance led to her arrest and that moment sparked the famous, 381 day Montgomery Bus Boycott. Despite the success of the boycott, sixty-eight years later, transportation is still a civil rights issue. For the past six years, people and organizations across the country have come together to honor Rosa Parks and Transit Equity Day on her birthday, February 4th..  Without her courage, the changes we’ve seen would have never come to fruition. We may see the progress that has been made slip away if we do not recognize that there is still work to be done. Today, more than ever, we must collaborate to see the changes we want through organizing, advocating, and educating.

Transit Equity Day was started by several organizations including the Labor Network for Sustainability, to celebrate the activism of Rosa Parks on her birthday. In the CSRA, several organizations have advocated for transit equity for the past two years. We wrote letters to the editor of the Augusta Chronicle in 2022 and in 2023 we gathered at Hudson Memorial to hear about the need for better transit and infrastructure from community voices. We then rode the bus through the streets of our hometown as a group.  As the morning progressed, we learned about the obstacles that people face in using public transportation.

What are the obstacles to equity in transportation across the CSRA?  The celebration of Rosa Parks acknowledges that skin color is an obstacle when it comes to public transportation, but in today’s world, racism shows up in so many other ways. To address equity issues in transportation, we must address the chronic underfunding of our infrastructure. Sidewalks that are in good repair will benefit all, but in particular those with visual or mobility issues. Covered shelters for our bus stops will help protect people from the elements, including rain, sun, and wind. Signage that is easily recognized, well designed, and up to date will provide an important tool for riders that may be seasoned or those that want to use public transportation more. Identifying and resolving these infrastructure issues will not only result in ADA compliance, but will also make the use of public transportation more desirable for everyone. 

Improvements in transit equity yield benefits to the community in multiple ways. Building equity in transportation means improving air quality and reducing greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change. Reliable public transportation ensures that residents can access social services and health care when needed. Better pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure promotes physical activity and transit options. These features build the kind of community that people want to live in and that creates economic growth and better health. The only way to create the kind of solutions we want to see in our community is to build power with many voices at the table.

Equity in transportation must also include enough buses to provide excellent service levels. For transit to be effective, it must answer a few questions: How fast can you get there? Can you get there? How frequent is the service? The frequency of buses running their routes is 45 minutes, which can seem like a lifetime when you need to get somewhere. There are areas in South Augusta that aren’t served at all, like Tobacco Road. In the Aiken area, there is a schedule for when the buses run, but there are neither signs nor covered bus stops. A person literally has to flag the bus down in order to get a ride. Also, the service from Aiken to Augusta takes over an hour. On both sides of the Savannah River, there are opportunities to eat good food, shop at interesting shops, and enjoy various kinds of entertainment. A public transportation system that is fast, effective, and efficient can provide access to a variety of activities that people want to enjoy.

The heartbeat of any thriving community lies in the active involvement of its residents. In this blog post, we'll explore the power of community initiatives and volunteering, providing professionals in small to midsize cities with creative ways to give back to their communities and make a meaningful impact.

The Ripple Effect of Local Volunteering:

Engaging in local volunteering opportunities creates a ripple effect that extends far beyond the immediate act of service. Discover local organizations and initiatives that align with your interests, whether it's mentoring programs, environmental cleanups, or supporting local arts and culture. Your contribution, no matter how small, plays a vital role in building a stronger and more vibrant community.

Creative Fundraising and Collaborative Projects:

Explore creative ways to contribute to community initiatives by organizing fundraising events or collaborating on projects that address specific needs within your city. From art exhibitions to community murals, these endeavors not only raise funds but also foster a sense of unity and shared purpose among residents.

Leveraging Professional Skills for Civic Good:

Consider leveraging your professional skills to benefit local organizations. Whether you're a marketer, designer, or financial expert, your expertise can make a significant impact on community projects. Collaborate with local nonprofits or community groups to find opportunities where your skills can contribute to the greater good.

Civic engagement is not just about giving time; it's about creating a connected and supportive community. By embracing creative approaches to volunteering and community initiatives, professionals can play an active role in shaping the future of their small to midsize cities. Let's unite our skills, passions, and creativity to build a community that thrives on collaboration and shared responsibility.

Welcome to the dawn of a new year, a perfect time for professionals in small to midsize cities to embark on a journey of personal growth and development. In this blog post, we'll explore strategies to rejuvenate your personal and professional life, emphasizing the importance of creative pursuits and civic engagement. Let's make 2024 a year of self-discovery and positive impact!

Unlocking Personal Growth through Creativity

As busy professionals, it's easy to get caught up in the routine of daily life. However, the new year provides an excellent opportunity to explore creative hobbies that not only bring joy but also contribute to personal growth. Whether it's painting, writing, or learning a musical instrument, incorporating creativity into your routine can enhance problem-solving skills, boost cognitive abilities, and foster a sense of accomplishment.

Civic Engagement for a Stronger Community

Being an active participant in your community is not only personally fulfilling but also contributes to the overall growth of your city. Explore local civic engagement opportunities, such as joining community boards, participating in town hall meetings, or supporting local initiatives. Your involvement can lead to positive changes, and the collaborative spirit can create a more vibrant and connected community.

Building Bridges Through Networking Events

In addition to personal growth and community engagement, networking plays a crucial role in professional development. Attend local networking events that bring together like-minded individuals. These events provide a platform to exchange ideas, forge new partnerships, and discover potential collaborations that can propel both your personal and professional endeavors.

As we step into the new year, let's commit to personal growth, creativity, and civic engagement. By embracing these principles, we not only enhance our individual lives but also contribute to the prosperity and unity of our small to midsize cities. Here's to a year of self-discovery, community building, and endless possibilities!

Urban Pro Weekly community newspaper presents the

3rd annual Augusta Black Restaurant Week

Augusta Black Restaurant Week* (ABRW) celebrates African-American-owned restaurants/eateries and the roles they play in socioeconomic progress in the South. New to the 2023 ABRW experience are prix fixe options from each partner and collabs with personal/executive chefs, and a feature exclusive to South Augusta – Food Truck Family Friday. Like the cuisine, each experience is unique. Join us June 12-18, 2023.

augustarestaurantweek.com

+1 (762) 233-5299

FLAGSHIP ABRW RESTAURANTS

Café 209 

DeShawn’s Seafood (closed)

Humanitree House

Maryland’s Friend Chicken

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RESTAURANTS

Alexander's Great BBQ

Arie's Artisan Cheesecake

Belly’s Kitchen

Big Mama's Soul Food

Big T's Seafood

Brunch House of Augusta

Cafe on Eighth

Catz Kitchen

Chef’s House

Cliffism Sports & Spirits

Cork & Flame

Dennis Barbecue

Fielding Bros BBQ

Glamm Deli

The J. Renae Experience Catering

Jackie M's & Son

Jamaica Way

K’s Buffalo Wings

Kitchen Kings + Natta’s Sweet Treats

Nutritious Alternatives

Palmetto Seafood Bar & Grill

Pinckney's Home Cooking

Que @ The Shop

Shake City

Sisters Irresistible Sweets

Soca Vegan Kitchen

Timbuktu Café

Toaste of Augusta

Whipped Creamery

WSS1 (Wings, Subs, Salads)

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FOOD TRUCKS/TRAILERS

Black Lotus Cuisine

Fish N Bami

Fiyah Grill

Flavors of Philly

Hot Spot Fish & Grits

J and K Blue Box

Lil Truck Big Flavor – Geechie Gurl

Legend’s BBQ and Katie’s Sweet Creations

Lil Mama's Sweets and Treats

Marie's Caribbean Creole

Prime Time Bar & Grill

Som’n Good Sweets & Eats

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CATERERS + MEAL PREP/DELIVERY

8595 Restaurant (Thomas Jacobs, Dairius Mealing)

Bite of the Bayou (Cadell Devon)

Bounce Back Salads (Alexandria Parker)

Charcuterie To Go (Temeshia Luke)

Desserts by Latrell (Menia Chester)

DW Catering (DW Willis)

Hattie Bee’s Catering (Maria Fickling & Courtney Marie Finnis)

The Lavish Treats Boutique (Toni Allen)

Red Nose Catering (Jay Rudolph)

Sin’s Kitchen Slayer (Sincere Donaldson)

The Stop Food Truck (Carolyn Henry)

Tasha’s Fruity Lemonade (Latasha Jones)

The Stop Food Truck (Carolyn Henry)

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#augustarestaurantweek #ABRW #augustafoodie #farmtotable #farmtofork #foodtour #agritourism

I’ve been doing some research on food policy councils - what they are and what benefits they can bring to a community. In December of 2022, I began hosting a series of food access stakeholders meetups in Augusta GA… to bring all the “players” in the “food game” to the table, with the goal that we devise solutions together. In this context, players refers to all who have a connection with food - those who grow it, transport it, aggregate it, distribute it, donate it… you know the drill.

These monthly meetings continue to spark creative collaborations and program developments. However, the motivation for calling everyone together was to put small and mid-sized farmers at the forefront of the conversation and ensure that Black farmers were at the table from beginning - and not as an afterthought like so many of these initiatives tend to lean.

Senator Harold Jones II has been an integral voice in leading the State of Georgia toward addressing food insecurity, legacy farmer Loretta Adderson has been a longtime champion for farmers of color, and Carolyn Henry (LogicPoint Consulting) has been guiding this current process of asset mapping and process improvement.

I asked my intern to pull together a few resources, which are listed below. Please join the conversation at growingaugusta.mn.co.

-kgordon

* * * * * *

\what is a food policy council?

A food policy council is a body of citizens, governments, and organizations working together to identify, research, monitor, and advocate for food system policies. These councils work to assess the current state of their local food system and create policies that promote food security, healthy eating, fair labor practices, environmental sustainability, and other food-based issues.

\why is a food policy council important?

A food policy council is important because it brings together stakeholders with diverse backgrounds to identify, assess and solve food-related problems within a community. A food policy council can work to ensure that people have access to nutritious, affordable and safe food, as well as food-related educational opportunities, research and policy development. It can also serve as a forum to identify areas of collaboration on food policy and to effectively implement food-related initiatives.

\how does a food policy council work?

A food policy council works by forming members from diverse backgrounds that have a stake in the food system, such as government officials, health care professionals, farmers, and members of concerned communities. The council works together to develop and advocate for policies that can improve the local food system. They may consult with local and state governments, create policy proposals, and facilitate public education and dialogue about food-related issues. They may also monitor existing food policy initiatives and make recommendations to local elected officials, and lobby for particular policies or regulations. Ultimately, the goal of a food policy council is to promote sustainable and equitable food systems that benefit all stakeholders.

\how to form a food policy council

1. Establish a Steering Committee: The first and most important step in forming a Food Policy Council is to create a steering committee. This is a group of stakeholders who will be involved in the process of forming the council and guiding its work. The steering committee should include food system leaders from the public, private and civic sectors, including representatives from the local agricultural and food business communities, health care professionals, and representatives from advocacy organizations, faith-based institutions, non-profit organizations and government agencies.

2. Develop the Council's Mission: Once the steering committee is formed, the next step is to develop the council's mission. The mission should clearly state why the council has come together and what it hopes to accomplish.

3. Adopt Bylaws to Govern the Council's Work: The council will need to adopt bylaws to govern its activities. This document should include provisions outlining the council's structure, such as the composition of the steering committee and the number of members, as well as the procedures for meetings and decision-making processes.

4. Identify and Define the Council's Focus Areas: Once the mission and governing documents are in place, the council can begin to identify and define its focus areas. The council should consider the current state of the local food system and any issues that need to be addressed, such as access to healthy food, school food, food security, urban agriculture, and food waste.

5. Establish a Process for Public Engagement: It is important for the council to create a process for engaging the public in its work. The council should consider how to actively seek public input, solicit feedback from different stakeholders, and incorporate the public's needs and concerns into the policy decisions that it makes.

6. Develop a Plan of Action: Finally, the council should develop a plan of action that outlines how it will address the issues that it has identified. The plan should include specific goals and timelines, as well as concrete strategies for how the council will pursue its mission.

 \additional resources:

1. Community Food Strategies is a website that focuses on supporting the efforts of local and regional food policy councils, with resources on how to establish, operate and evaluate a council. https://communityfoodstrategies.org/toolkit/ 

2. The PolicyLink Equitable Development Toolkit has a section on food policy councils and provides guidance and resources for establishing a council for policy change. https://www.policylink.org/equitable-development-toolkit/food-policy-councils

3. The Johns Hopkins Center for a Livable Future provides guidance on implementing and sustaining effective food policy councils with many resources to download for free. https://www.jhsph.edu/research/centers-and-institutes/center-for-a-livable-future/projects/food-policy-network/ 

4. The Urban Institute provides a publication called “Building Partnerships and Strategies to Improve Food Access and Health for Children and Families” which outlines food policy council strategies to assist decision-makers in developing effective policies. https://www.urban.org/research/publication/building-partnerships-and-strategies-improve-food-access-and-health-children-and-families

5. The Michigan State University Center for Regional Food Systems has many resources for food policy councils and provides research on food systems, policy development, and the role of food in community development. https://www.canr.msu.edu/foodsystems/food-policy-council-resources 

6. The Food & Environment Reporting Network has an extensive archive of articles on food policy councils, including their role in promoting food system change and implementing fair food policies. https://thefern.org/tag/food-policy-councils/ 

7. The National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition provides an extensive list of resources and reports on food policy councils - including reports on dozens of councils around the US. http://sustainableagriculture.net/food-policy/ 

8. The Center for Agriculture and Food Systems at Vermont Law School provides a toolkit aimed at communal food governance initiatives. It provides guidance to forming food policy councils as a mechanism for regulating and promoting sustainable food systems. https://www.vermontlaw.edu/academics/centers-and-programs/center-for-agriculture-and-food-systems/resources/toolkits/community-food-governance 

9. The Food Policy Networks project has plenty of resources on food policy councils, including an extensive directory of food policy councils across the United States. https://foodpolicynetworks.org/ 

10. The Food Tank website has numerous articles and reports on various issues in food policy along with guidance on how to approach policy change at various levels of governance. https://foodtank.com/sector/food-policy/

A. Walker-Thomas

Intern

Growing Augusta: Arts, Agriculture, & Agency

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 15, 2023

Augusta Black Restaurant Week Returns in 2023 with Exciting New Partnerships

Augusta, GA - Augusta Black Restaurant Week (ABRW) is proud to announce its return in 2023 with exciting new partnerships. The 2023 event, #ABRW23, will take place from June 12-18, and will highlight some of the area's black-owned eateries and chefs, while giving patrons an opportunity to partake in specialty or signature items.

New partnerships this year include Visit Augusta, Yelp!, Juneteenth, and Food Truck Family Friday. Visit Augusta, the official destination marketing organization for the Augusta area, will provide additional marketing support to help promote ABRW23 and attract visitors to the area. Yelp!, a popular restaurant review and discovery platform, will showcase participating restaurants and help patrons discover new black-owned eateries in the area.

Juneteenth, a holiday celebrating the emancipation of slaves in the United States, will be celebrated during ABRW23, and will feature special events and activities in partnership with local organizations. Finally, Food Truck Family Friday, a popular food truck event series in the Augusta area, will team up with ABRW23 to bring together some of the area's best food trucks for a fun and casual food event.

In addition to these exciting new partnerships, ABRW23 will continue to feature prix fixe menu items, chef collaborations, and other activities designed to showcase the unique culinary talent of the area's black-owned restaurants and chefs.

"We are thrilled to partner with Visit Augusta, Yelp!, Juneteenth, and Food Truck Family Friday for this year's event," said event coordinator, Olivia Pontoo. "Their support will help us to amplify our message and showcase the amazing culinary talent in our community. We can't wait to share this year's event with everyone."

Participating restaurants and chefs, as well as a full schedule of events, will be announced closer to the event, so stay tuned for updates on the ABRW23 website and social media channels. Don't miss this opportunity to experience some of the best food in the Augusta area, while supporting the local black-owned restaurant community.

For more information about Augusta Black Restaurant Week 2023, visit the event website at www.augustarestaurantweek.com.

Media Contact:

Olivia Pontoo

Augusta Black Restaurant Week

info@augustarestaurantweek.com

+1 (762) 233-5299

GREENING.

In urban planning refers to the integration of vegetation and other green elements into the built environment, such as parks, green roofs/ walls, urban farms and gardens, and more. It involves adding plants, trees, shrubs, and other green elements to a city's landscape to provide biological, economic, and aesthetic benefits.

The benefits of planting in vacant lots are numerous and well-documented. From reducing crime rates to lowering air pollution, increasing property values to reducing energy costs, planting in these otherwise unused spaces can make a huge difference in urban areas. Here, I will discuss the five key benefits of planting in vacant lots, including the ways they can reduce crime rates, air pollution, temperatures, water runoff, and increase property values.

PLANTING VACANT LOTS CAN REDUCE CRIME

 
A 2018 study shows that planting trees and other vegetation in vacant lots in urban areas can significantly reduce crime rates by as much as 10%.

The study, published in the journal Scientific Reports, involved analyzing data from nearly 600 vacant lots in Philadelphia, PA, over a period of nine years (2007-2015). The researchers used a statistical model to compare crime rates in areas with vacant lots that had been transformed into green spaces with those in areas with lots that had remained empty.

They found that the crime rate dropped by an average of 10.5% in areas with green spaces. This translates to a reduction of roughly 1.5 violent crimes per 10,000 people in those areas. Gun violence fell by 30 percent in neighborhoods living below the poverty line that got transformed lots. Other lighter crimes like burglary and loitering—gateway misdemeanors that can eventually lead to violent crime — fell from 20 percent to 30 percent.

The team concluded that green spaces are beneficial by providing an area where people can gather and socialize, offering a sense of hope or optimism for community members. This can lead to lowered stress levels, improved mental health, and greater feelings of safety. It is yet another reminder of the significant impact and importance of investing in our communities, especially in the form of green spaces.

Resources:

Citywide cluster randomized trial to restore blighted vacant land and its effects on violence, crime, and fear (2018)

 https://www.fs.usda.gov/research/treesearch/55829

Ideas We Should Steal Festival 2018: Public Spaces, Civic Health

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQ02VLZ_Ey0&t=555s