Think Locally, Act Neighborly
This year, the Coalition is took a different approach to encouraging neighborhood engagement. Over the summer, students from Bellingham Technical College, Whatcom Community College, and Western Washington University have came together to examine student engagement in neighborhoods. Out of these discussions, the “Think Locally, Act Neighborly Summit” was created.
Students from multiple campuses, neighborhood representatives, law enforcement, and community members came together on Saturday, November 5th to talk with one another, deepen their understanding of each other’s perspectives, and explore ways to engage together as a community.
Following the Summit, student representatives from WWU, WCC, and BTC presented at the November Mayor’s Neighborhood Advisory Committee (MNAC) meeting about their experience at the Summit and asked MNAC representatives their feedback about student participation in the neighborhood associations. The students continue to meet monthly and are forming a group called “The Student Connection.” Here is what the group has to say about themselves:
“The Student Connection is a developing group in Whatcom County where students want to engage in community and make Whatcom County a place they would want to live! We want to help students from all campuses (Western, Whatcom CC, Bellingham Tech, and NW Indian College) to have a resource to connect with other students and with community members. This form of networking is to help you establish relationships with not only students and neighbors but also with all the organizations and experience all Whatcom County has to offer. If you want to get connected, please come to a meeting!”
Learn more about The Student Connection through their Facebook Page.