Lessons From Barb

One would think that when living in a neighborhood for 12 years there would not be much to learn. The experience that I have had as the LISC-AmeriCorps intern for Near West Side Partners (NWSP) has taught me A LOT. Please take a moment to review my “lessons learned,” in my 10 months with NWSP.

• Walking or biking to work is great!

• The urban daily walk can be very revealing by not allowing me to avoid pitfalls and issues in my community.

• It is inspiring as I observe positive changes, such as cleaner neighborhoods and murals being painted to brighten the streets.

• Of course, getting more exercise and the reduced environmental impact is an added benefit.

• Inspiring moments:

• Meeting the MANY people who believe and work towards making the Near West Side and Milwaukee a better & safer community.

• Dedication of the community organizers throughout Milwaukee that strive to help empower neighbors and residents to have a voice and be part of the solution.

• Meeting more community leaders and future change makers of color.

• Change is happening! Metrics from the PARC initiative, reports by Andrew Trumbull, meetings and more events every year.

• Frustrating moments:

• Progress moves slowly.

• Someone will always not see the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow and will never be happy

• Politics

• Writing blogs that aren’t “fun”

• Limited resources of time, talent and money to accomplish the many opportunities available to make the Near West Side better.

• Expectations of immediate success because of the partnership with the anchor institutions.

• I am excited about being part of the:

• Farmers Market at the Center for Independence on Thursday nights.

• Block Build MKE in collaboration with Revitalize Milwaukee for resident on 37th Street on November 3rd and 4th.

• 1st annual Vliet Street Gallery Night & Day in July.

• Things that surprised me:

• Grassroots canvassing is the best means to really reach neighbors.

• The wonderful conversations and stories told by these folks

• Being at peace with the short term position.

• The challenges faced by the Rev-Up winners to develop and sustain their entrepreneurial dream one year later.

• The many nonprofits and faith based organizations doing good work in the 7 neighborhoods

• I am in awe of:

• Keith Stanley’s perseverance and passion for the NWS.

• The ability of such a small organization (a staff of 3 and a half) to move the needle forward.

• Collaboration and support of the anchor institutions and their CEO’s (Aurora, Marquette, Harley Davidson, MillerCoors & Potawatomi Business Development).

• The fantastic team at the Near West Side Partners and Marquette University, along with their Center for Peacemaking. ‘

• ‘The dedication and professionalism of the Local Initiatives Support Corporation..

• Thoughts for the future (not in order)

• The Near West Side will be a destination neighborhood in 5 years.

• I will be remain part of the active network of folks working toward that vision.

• My house will be worth more than I owe.

• I will walk to a grocery store.