15 YEARS OF COMMUNITY BUILDING 11 Community Council fosters a welcoming atmosphere and reduces barriers to participation by offering Spanish interpretation and translation, childcare, and food at its gatherings. These inclusive practices increase attendance and bring together more diverse community voices. And it’s not just the participants who notice. This welcoming approach produced what several participants described as a “ripple effect” in the region. One noted, “The process itself is the most important part of Community Council.” Another community member said, “This group is truly dedicated to raising voices.” Community Council’s process has become part of the region’s infrastructure. Community Council conducts extensive outreach to encourage community members with diverse backgrounds to attend gatherings, participate, and share their input in a welcoming setting. Often the number of participants is large, sometimes as many as 400 people. As one person attending such a large gathering of many voices said, “How much better does it get than that? It was an important moment for me.” Other participants agreed: “Everyone who wants to do the work can approach Community Council.” “I saw smiles and high-fives with parents who could attend with their children, and they can express their feelings about their community.” One participant said that when she heard there would be “free childcare,” she said, “The number of doors that phrase opened is incredible,” and she could attend. “I love that Community Council engagement is creating inclusive participation, and it’s nonpartisan.” “It has made a huge difference in people’s ability to participate” given the locations chosen, Spanish translation and interpreter services, food, and childcare at meetings. “It really made a difference. More organizations are doing that now.” Expanding Community Participation IMPACTS “That’s the purpose of Community Council – relationship building.” ROGER ESPARZA Owner and Designated Broker, Bella Terra Real Estate
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