On the Ground Cleveland
Igniting the Power of Everyday People
September 15-18, 2014
Join us this fall in Cleveland for our upcoming On the Ground! We are delighted to be working in partnership with Cleveland’s Neighborhood Connections for the next in our series of highly regarded learning gatherings for those who are investing in local communities and resourcing the groups that everyday people form for mutual aid and collective action – making their communities more welcoming, vibrant, resilient and just.
This On the Ground will use Neighborhood Connection’s work in Cleveland as our platform for exploring the realities of working from a “we begin with residents” perspective with a commitment to building community connections and resilience, and the expanding opportunities for people powered possibilities in Cleveland’s neighborhoods.
Attending On the Grounds is not like attending a regular conference. Because of our peer learning orientation and commitment to meeting design that builds from the expertise, experience, passion and questions of people in the room, the benefit you will receive from the On the Ground experience is highly dependent on how you show up (present, curious, and ready to co-create) and what you do (engage, contribute, question). While guarantees are hard to come by, we are hoping to create an environment that will enable you to leave Cleveland with:
- Insights about resident-led grantmaking and information that will help you consider, design, launch or strengthen a resident-led grassroots grantmaking program
- Some fresh ideas about what you can do to support, promote and celebrate community building in your community
- A behind the scenes look at game-changing partnerships between key community institutions and neighborhood residents
- Help from your peers on questions that you are facing right now
- Recharged batteries and some new tools to add to your community change toolkit
- Strengthened networks and new friends with people who are both thinkers and doers
- A memorable experience of building a learning community together with people who share a commitment to igniting the power of everyday people
Who can attend?
On the Grounds are designed for people who are working to strengthen and resource the work of everyday people and the groups that they form for mutual aid and collective action. Membership in Grassroots Grantmakers is not required to attend. While our agenda may lean towards learning about working from a position of “funder” (and by that we mean philanthropies, public sector entities, United Ways, giving circles, crowd-funding platforms, community-based funders and individual donors – basically, any entity that is investing resources directly in grassroots groups), our welcome mat is also out to practitioners and community residents who are actively working to grow the voice, power and contribution of groups of everyday people in the places they live, work and play. We especially welcome teams from the same community that include people working on the same question from different perspectives.
What does it cost to attend?
Registration is $300/person for Grassroots Grantmakers members and people who register through a member organization. Registration for non-members is $600/person. You can join Grassroots Grantmakers when registering to be eligible.
The registration fee will cover on-site transportation, materials, and most in-meeting meals. Participants are expected to cover their own lodging expenses, meals outside of the meeting agenda, and travel from their home community to Cleveland.
Where is our event home-base?
We will be in the community and in community settings for much of our time together, but we will be using Trinity Commons (2230 Euclid Avenue) as our home base.
What is the agenda for the gathering?
We will kick off on Monday afternoon (September 15) with a networking event, and will work together through the Tuesday and Wednesday. We will wrap up with lunch on Thursday. You can check out the working agenda here.
What about hotel accommodations?
The Wyndham Playhouse Square Hotel (1260 Euclid Avenue) is providing a special room rate of $115/night for single room for three nights – September 15, 16 and 17. The Wyndham will also honor this special rate for two days prior and two after these dates. This rate will be available through August 25, 2014.
You can reserve your room at The Wyndham by calling (216) 615-7500 or registering online at www.wyndhamcleveland.com, providing 0915142GR as the group code to receive Grassroots Grantmakers’ group rate. Rooms are available at this rate between April 1 and August 25, 2014 or until sold out.
Are there other lodging options available?
Please contact us if you have other lodging preferences. We may be able to help.
How do I register for On the Ground Cleveland?
Registrations can be submitted on-line. Multiple registrations from one organization can be submitted at one time; registration fees for multiple registrations can be easily handled with one payment. You will receive an email confirmation after you register, and we will hold your space unless you notify Janis Foster Richardson that you will not be attending.
How do I submit payment of my registration fees?
Our online registration system will request payment at the time of registration via credit card. If you to prefer to handle payment via a check, please contact us and we will process your registration and send an invoice for the registration fee.
What if I register but need to cancel?
We can accept cancellations and issue a full refund of your registration fees until August 15, 2014. After August 15, we can accept your cancellation but cannot issue a refund. If you are unable to attend but would like to offer your registration to a colleague, we will be happy to make that switch if you contact us with that request.
When will I receive meeting materials and specific logistical info?
We will send the basic information that you will need via email about a few days before the gathering and post information under the On the Ground Cleveland tab on our website.
What is the proper attire for this gathering?
Casual, of course! We will be on and off a bus several times a day so comfortable clothes and shoes for walking are definitely in order!
Other questions?
Contact Janis Foster Richardson for anything else you need to know. You can reach Janis via email or phone (361-798-1808).
