What’s New in Youth Engagement at Grounded?

  Since embarking on my journey at Grounded in September of 2019,  I have been having some fun and making a difference in several communities.  By and large, one of my favorites is Hazelwood. As a Greenfield native, I grew up just around the corner playing and learning about life in Hazelwood with friends and family. My engagements as a Grounded staff member have ranged from formal building projects to networking events and (many) teaching sessions. In one of my…

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RVP Reflection Series: Ashley’s Experience

Author: Ashley Seiler Upon entering the RVP convention I was blown away by the number of people that were in attendance. After mingling and a quick look at the art exhibit displayed, I headed to one of the many sessions. The session that resonated with me the most was Community-Driven Visioning to Reclaim Vacant Properties in Fort Wayne and Philadelphia. The two presenters that stood out most to me during this session were Rena Bradley and Alexa Boss. I enjoyed…

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Democratic Vacant Land Processes

In its utopic form, democracy is facilitated through widely dispersed power. Widely dispersed power allows for the fair and equitable negotiation of sometimes conflicting interests. Through negotiation, people are able to find positions of true (rather than coerced) compromise. This form of democracy is only possible through community organizing and engagement. The combination of organizing and engagement is instrumental to democracy’s foundational need for fair and equitable representation. Through our Hill District program, Reclaim Central 2.0, we are attempting to…

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2020 Census Civic Engagement Training: Children & Families

In case you missed our first civic engagement training, GPNP is hosting a second training for nonprofits serving historically under-counted communities for the 2020 Census. Register on Eventbrite For children under 18, especially children of color, an accurate Census count is critical for the funding of programs that families across southwestern Pennsylvania benefit from, such as: the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), the National School Lunch Program, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), as well as local public schools. Join us on February…

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KIDAPALOOZA 2019

Giant Eagle Kidapalooza Family Festival 2019 It's the Giant Eagle Kidapalooza Family Festival! Make plans to stay indoors on Saturday, February 2! Rides, Games, Inflatables, a Sports Zone, Mascots and Princesses and SO MUCH MORE! It's fun for the entire family! Costs are $12.26 Adults / $7.97 ages 2-11. There are no refunds for this event. PLEASE NOTE: Tickets day of are $13 for ages 12+ and $8 for children ages 2-11.

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Environmental Justice and Civil Rights

Today's acts of discriminatory practices have taken place on American soil in the past, in present-day form, and acts of unfair treatment will more than likely persist in the future. To prevent such wrongs Government and other elected officials voted on two Bills. These Bills were enacted as The Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Environmental Justice Act of 2017.   In yesterday’s history, (July 2, 1964)  Civil Rights Act of 1964 was first introduced by President John F Kennedy; succeeding…

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LAND BANK HEARING

Join us for a public hearing in Council Chambers on an important policy that will affect Hill District land and development. At this hearing, you will have an opportunity to provide feedback on the Land Bank's Policies and Procedures, which will define how the Land Bank will be structured, how it will operate, and what it's goals and priorities are for the acquisition and dispensation of properties. If you wish to speak, please contact the Clerk's office at(412) 255-2138 to register.  Your allotted speaking time is 3 minutes.…

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Making Authentic Nature a Priority

It can be hard to find refuge in nature when you are living in an urban environment. According to the United Nations, over half of all the world’s population (55%) lives in urban areas, a statistic that is expected to rise to 68% by 2050. As the world continues to urbanize, it is more important than ever to design sustainable and intentionally authentic greenspaces that invite active involvement in one’s natural amenities. This is especially true for children. A recent…

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