There is power in neighborhood organizing. That\u2019s the concept behind the Neighborhood District Summit, sponsored by the city of Kent Neighborhood Program.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
The free event is from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 1 at the Kent Senior Activity Center, 600 E. Smith St.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Guest speaker Elton Gatewood will show attendees how to harness their collective resources to build strong community from neighborhood improvements and problem solving to influencing city government policies.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Kent Neighborhood Program coordinator Toni Azzola said people often ask her \u201cwhat\u2019s in it for me\u201d when discussing the neighborhood program. She said Gatewood\u2019s specialty is self-help.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\u201cElton Gatewood will share examples of what can happen when residents are unified and actively engaged,” Azzola said in a city media release. “It\u2019s exciting to hear how, by working together, people develop a sense of ownership as they look after their city\u2019s interests.”<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Gatewood spent 37 years working for the city of Tacoma, including more than 20 years managing the Neighborhood Council Program. His expertise in community engagement, democracy governance and community mobilization has taken him to audiences around the world.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n