For the last eight weeks, I’ ve been immersed in all things Central Baltimore by learning about the ten neighborhoods, researching small businesses, and exploring the resources that are available. Working at the Central Baltimore Partnership( CBP) has helped me understand how every person and organization in this area, and city, is connected, and how collaborative community revitalization can ensure that everyone’ s voice is heard so that development benefits all, especially the most disadvantaged.
Within my tasks, I’ ve been able to see the various ways in which writing can contribute to an organization’ s work. From creating fact sheets, to drafting social media posts, to writing grant applications, CBP has given me numerous ways to expand and refine my skills. As a student journalist and Writing Seminars major, exploring different types of writing has been extremely fulfilling.
My favorite part of this summer has been working on a storytelling initiative to highlight several of the projects that CBP has funded. CBP’ s Spruce-Up Grant Program has funded neighborhood-driven capital improvement projects in the public spaces of Central Baltimore for the last five years.
I was able to expand beyond the jargon by speaking with the people behind those efforts and featuring their stories. I was amazed at how residents are so committed to making their neighborhoods better, whether by transforming vacant lots into parks or bringing more public art into communities. The most rewarding moments were the mornings and afternoons I spent interviewing community members in their neighborhoods. Walking around Barclay with two organizers as they told me about every tree, building, and mural that we passed by. Sitting in a diner in Highlandtown with a local artist over bottomless cups of coffee. Watching a small crew install mosaic butterflies that were handmade by residents in Harwood. For a short period of time, I was given first-hand access to people’ s stories and afforded the privilege of sharing them with a larger audience.
I am extremely grateful to have had the opportunity to listen and report on the important and good work going on within the neighborhoods of Central Baltimore. I have learned that conversations can create empathy, and from that, positive change. Thanks to the wonderful people I’ ve met this summer, I am hopeful that this change will continue to grow.
• Created communications materials to highlight CBP’ s programs and initiatives
• Interviewed community leaders about neighborhood-led projects and wrote profiles to feature their stories
• Assisted with grant writing
Community Partner: Central Baltimore Partnership Intern: Morgan Ome Site Supervisor: Ashley Wallace
What is Central Baltimore Partnership? Central Baltimore Partnership is a coalition of neighborhood, private, public, and institutional interests that are implementing a comprehensive community development strategy in the Central Baltimore area.
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