Austin Neighborhood Network: The Value of Collaboration & Community Driven Vision

What does it look like to engage with community stakeholders to co-design a community plan for revitalization that authentically centers the needs of the local neighborhood? In our 14th episode we feature Austin Neighborhood Network, located in the largest geographic neighborhood of Chicago, to learn more about their participatory efforts to collectively transform their community. Listen in to learn more from Jose Abonce, Ruth Kimble, and Sandra Diaz, as they share the successes, challenges, and insight about how their coalition works to build up community infrastructure by following four of the highest priorities set by community members as part of their Quality of Life Plan, including 1) access to quality early learning opportunities, 2) living wage careers, 3) safe neighborhoods and, and 4) healthy and affordable housing.  

To learn more about the Network and their backbone organization, Austin Coming Together visit their website https://austincomingtogether.org/.

• Jose Abonce, Lead Organizer, Austin Coming Together
• Ruth Kimbel, Community Partner & Owner/ Operator of Austin Childcare Provider’s Network
• Sandra Diaz, HUB Coordinator, Austin Coming Together
•  Host: Ronda Alexander, Director of Operations, Vital Village Networks

Produced by: Networks of Opportunity for Child Wellbeing

Music By: Morgan Breland

Edited by: Resonate Recordings