In the Arena with NOW
In the Arena with NOW lifts up the voices of community leaders who are “in the arena” -- in classrooms, playgrounds, Congressional halls, hospitals, and neighborhood streets -- working to make sure that all children and families can live healthy, thriving lives. Each episode will delve into the experiences of local coalitions, residents, and experts who are working to create equitable systems of care and education. We’ll learn about what they are doing and why, challenges and successes faced, and advice for others seeking to build, grow, and sustain momentum for the long haul. Learn more at: https://www.networksofopportunity.org
In the Arena with NOW
Powerful Pathways through Creative Placemaking and Community-Led Design
Welcome to Season 2 of In the Arena with NOW! As organizers, advocates, and communities continue to work towards systems transformation, what does it look like to make cities more equitable and sustainable? And, what can we learn from leaders who are centering anti-racism and anti-classism through creative placemaking and equitable community design? In our first episode of the season, we speak with Allentza Michel, of Powerful Pathways, who has long been leading efforts to elevate community leadership at the intersection of community design, urban planning, and arts and culture work. We learn more about the need for social change agents and creative thinkers more broadly, particularly in the realm of public policy and community development planning processes that have historically excluded community voices and leadership. Hear more about Allentza’s journey, hear examples of bright spots in Boston, MA, and unpack what it means to shift away from creating policies “for” community and instead design and make policy decisions “with” community.
Featured guest:
- Allentza Michel, Powerful Pathways
- Host: Ronda Alexander, Director of Operations, NOW at Vital Village Network
Learn more and stay connected at: https://powerfulpathways.org/
Produced by: Networks of Opportunity for Child Wellbeing
Music: Want U W/ Me (Instrumental Mix), by Akira Sora, From the Free Music Archive, CC BY 4.0
Edited By: Resonate Recordings