Spring 2020 One Region Forward's Citizen Planning School: Champions for Change

A partnership of University of Buffalo School of Architecture and Planning
University at Buffalo Regional Institute

Eight free Workshops
Tuesdays, 6pm-8:40pm
Starting Feb. 25, 2020
403 Hayes Hall/ UB South Campus

Contact: Lisa Kenney, LKenney@gbnrtc.org
More Information: http://www.oneregionforward.org/champs2020

Champions for Change Schedule
2/25/2020 Workshop #1: One Region Forward
Where have we been, where are we now, and where are we going as a region? What are we creating for our future? Champions will be introduced to One Region Forward, and to each other, student leaders and mentors. Then we’ll take a look the semester’s activities and assignments.

3/10/2020 Workshop #2: WNY History and Project Vision and Goals
Learn about the Buffalo Niagara region’s history: from a place of native lands, to a home to laborers, immigrants and refugees. Then start defining your project’s vision and goals.

3/24/2020 Workshop #3: Being Aware of our Biases and Identifying Project Actions
Biases start early. A study asked children to draw a scientist. About half of kindergarteners will draw a male scientist and half will draw a female scientist. By third grade, about 75% will draw a male scientist. Everyone is prone to biases, whether you’re male or female, white or non-white, scientist or not. Learn about how these biases affect our lives—including these workshops—and what we might be able to do about them. Then start identifying your project’s actions.

4/7/2020 Workshop #4: How to Identify Stakeholders and Partners
Successful projects need strong supporters. Learn to identify your stakeholders (anyone who has an interest in or can affect your project) and your potential partners.

4/14/2020 Workshop #5: Data, Community Engagement and Communication
Learn how to use data (which doesn’t just mean numbers!), how to involve community members, and how to communicate about your project.

4/21/2020 Workshop #6: Project Implementation
Now that you’ve got a project plan, how do you implement it? Learn about creating an action plan, finding funding, and other steps to put your idea into action.

4/28/2020 Workshop #7: Champion Videos, Pitch Practice and (nearly) Final Touches
Throughout the semester you’ll be working on materials you can use to promote your project: a poster, a video and a “pitch” presentation. You’ll have an opportunity to practice and get feedback from other Champions, students and mentors before you put on the final touches.

5/5/2020 Workshop #8: Final Preparations for the Idea Summit
You’re almost there! One final workshop to practice your pitch and get ready for the Idea Summit.

Saturday 5/9/2020 Idea Summit
Champions will present their ideas to an audience of community members, funders, and public officials.