NCF staff snap a screenshot of one of the Common Ground virtual panel discussions.
In September, NCF hosted its first entirely virtual conference, Common Ground. With the help of countless community members, seven outside guest speakers and the dedicated staff of NCF, Common Ground was a success. Co-op leaders gathered over seven sessions to learn about and discuss important topics such as infill, infrastructure management, collections, beautification, conflict resolution and technology. One session was spearheaded by two community members, Pat Streeter of Park Plaza and Bobbie Grubb of Pammel Creek. Streeter and Grubb facilitated a great conversation where community members shared challenges and successes their co-ops had experienced in the last year.
A unique feature of this year’s event included two grants of $1,000 each awarded in a random drawing (entries based on those who attended the Common Ground learning sessions).
Madelia Mobile Village Cooperative of Madelia, MN won the $1,000 technology grant. The board plans to create a digital library for board and community members. They will purchase several Chromebooks that will be housed in the community office.
Board and community members will be able to sign them out to use for Board business or for connecting virtually. All computers will be linked to their board email addresses via G Suite and will, as a result, have access to all their shared folders that guide the board in their decision making processes.
In Fridley, MN, Park Plaza Cooperative won the $1,000 Beautification Grant. They are planning to hire landscape architect, Jason Rathe of Field Outdoor Spaces. Jason led a training for the conference on Community Beautification. Park Plaza will work with Jason to design and build a beautiful landscaped area in the front and back entrance of the park. It is their hope that this touch will encourage residents to take pride in their community as well as act as a generative marketing tool for new residents interested in moving into their community.
Next year NCF hopes to be back to an in-person event; in the meantime it was great to be able to connect virtually.
