County Offering Free Five-Week Course on Neighborhood Revitalization

For immediate release: February 1, 2010
Contact: Chrystal Mathews, Senior Planner • cmathews@pbcgov.org
                (561) 233-5565 Fax: (561) 233-5309

Palm Beach County’s Office of Community Revitalization (OCR) is proud to once again offer the Resident Education to Action Program (REAP), a five-week, hands-on educational program providing community revitalization and civic leadership development. This program is intended to help residents who are interested in improving their neighborhoods.

REAP supports the formation of neighborhood associations and empowers residents to seek a better quality of life. Participants will gain knowledge of innovative ways to solve neighborhood issues.

Course topics include an Overview to Neighborhood Revitalization; Communicating for Results; Out of the Box Funding Strategies; Creating an Online Strategy for Your Organization; Civic Engagement; and Organizing to Win. There will also be an overview of OCR's initiatives and information about county government, community resources, and services available for neighborhood improvements.

Attendees will perform a mock commission meeting and showcase their strategies to local county and city officials, as well as apply for a grant through the America’s Next Top Neighborhood Award program. Sessions are facilitated using a variety of innovative techniques including group activities, lectures, guest speakers, individual outside work and oral presentations. The course and all materials are free, but a commitment for the entire five-week course is required. Seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

To register for REAP or for additional information, please visit our Web site at www.pbcgov.com/ocr or contact Chrystal Mathews, REAP Coordinator, at (561) 233- 5565 or cmathews@pbcgov.org.