CLEAR Plan 2030 Community Engagement Plan

Prepared for: East Alabama Partnership for Livable Communities

Prepared by: CLEAR Plan 2030 Community Engagement Livability Resource Team

HUD Acknowledgement

The work that provided the basis for this publication was supported by funding under an award with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The substance and findings of the work are dedicated to the public. The author and publisher are solely responsible for the accuracy of the statements and interpretations contained in this publication. Such interpretations do not necessarily reflect the views of the Government.

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS

HUD Acknowledgement ...... 2 Introduction ...... 4 Goals and Principles of Community Engagement ...... 5 Identifying the Community, Partners and Stakeholders ...... 7 Data Collection ...... 8 Outreach and Education ...... 8 Communication and Input ...... 9 Assessment and Modification ...... 10 Community Engagement beyond the Grant Period of Performance ...... 11

Appendices

Appendix A – Community Engagement LRT members ...... 12 Appendix B – Action Items ...... 13 Appendix C – Media Contacts ...... 14 Appendix D – Traditionally Marginalized Populations ...... 16 Lessons Learned ...... 27

3 Introduction

The Community Livability for the East Alabama Region Plan 2030 (CLEAR Plan 2030) is supported by funding under an award from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Sustainable Communities Regional Planning Grant. The East Alabama Area Agency on Aging became aware of the Sustainable Communities Initiative funding opportunity and through both interdepartmental and interagency discussions formed a consortium of local entities to promote livable communities.

This Consortium consists of:

Alabama Network of Family Resource Centers Alabama Power Calhoun Area Metropolitan Planning Organization Community Action Agency of Talladega, Clay, Randolph, Calhoun, and Cleburne Counties Community Foundation of Northeast Alabama Coosa Valley Resource Conservation and Development Council East Alabama Mayors Association Gadsden/Etowah County Metropolitan Planning Organization Jacksonville State University Sylacauga Alliance for Family Enhancement United Way of East Central Alabama

These entities have partnered together to promote many elements of livability throughout the region. In addition to the previously mentioned entities, departments internal to the East Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission have been identified as assets to this process via their missions. Entities such as the Rural Planning Organization of East Alabama, Region 5 Workforce Development Council and East Alabama Area Agency on Aging have also partnered to provide resources because of the intimate working relationships and operations already in-place throughout the region.

Livability has many facets. The 2010 Notice of Funding Availability for the Sustainable Communities Regional Planning Grant Program defines livability as “a measure of integration of the housing, transportation, environmental and employment amenities accessible to residents. A livable community is one with multiple modes of transportation, different types of housing, and destinations located within an easy distance (20 minutes by transit, 15 minutes by bike or foot, 10 minutes by car) of homes”. Realizing there is much more than these elements to a truly livable community, the Consortium has suggested the CLEAR Plan 2030 contain six Livability Resource Teams (LRTs):

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Community Engagement Transportation Housing Education Economic Competitiveness Health

For the purpose of promoting the flow of information, these teams are chaired by Consortium members and consist of residents, professionals respective to each team’s topic, local elected officials, and municipal planning commission members. These teams are open to any resident who wishes to participate, regardless of race, color, religion, age, gender, socio-economic status, disability status, national origin, or veteran status.

Each LRT is tasked with specific goals and objectives; among these are collection of data relative to their area of expertise, identifying needs throughout the region, and promoting and expanding participation in each LRT. The Community Engagement LRT is no different. The Community Engagement LRT is tasked with conducting a broad based, region-wide community engagement program to build awareness, promote resident involvement in and build consensus around the livability principles and actions. Additionally, the Community Engagement LRT should prioritize ways to engage communities traditionally marginalized from planning processes, such as low-income individuals and families, limited English speakers, persons with disabilities and the elderly. Goals and Principles of Community Engagement

Meaningful community engagement usually results in new ideas being brought to a project, minimizations of conflict and delays and the establishment of relationships throughout the community that can benefit current and future projects. It can limit the number of surprises that occur during a project because all the parties share information openly and consistently.

Community engagement is not a one-size-fits-all endeavor. It involves working with the appropriate parties to determine how they want to be involved. The following table (adapted from the International Association for Public Participation (IAP2)) shows the spectrum of community engagement, including goals associated with each level and the implicit promise to the public associated with the level of engagement.

5 Spectrum of Community Engagement

Level of Engagement Goal of Engagement Sponsor’s Promise to the Public Inform To provide the public with We will keep you informed. balanced and objective information to assist them in understanding the problems, alternatives and solutions. Consult To obtain public feedback on We will keep you informed, analysis, alternatives and listen to and acknowledge decisions, concerns, and provide feedback on how public input influenced the decision. Involve To work directly with the We will work with you to public throughout the process ensure that your concerns and to ensure that their issues and issues are directly reflected in concerns are consistently the alternatives developed and understood and considered. provide feedback on how public input influenced the decision. Collaborate To partner with the public in We will look to you for direct each aspect of the decision, advice and innovation in including development if formulating solutions and alternatives and identification incorporate your advice and of the preferred solution or recommendations into the action. decision to the maximum extent possible. Empower To place the final decision We will implement what you making in the hands of the decide. public.

Before seeking input, the LRT should identify the aspects of the project on which it is seeking input and those aspects that are not open for comment or discussion. Prior to community engagement activities, the community should understand that the LRTs have made great progress in this project and that there will be components that are not negotiable, while on others the LRT is open to suggestions and improvements.

It is a goal of the Community Engagement LRT to, at a minimum, involve residents throughout the East Alabama Region in this planning process. Ideally, all members of the community will be empowered and provide well reasoned, feasible strategies to address needs and shortcomings they (the community) have identified.

Additional goals of the Community Engagement LRT are to:

6  Educate the public and build support for the CLEAR Plan 2030 initiative as well as the benefits of grant money in the region now and for future planning.  Foster strong relationships with local stakeholders, community leaders, and elected officials making them informed ambassadors for CLEAR Plan 2030.  Identify key audiences, use creative communication techniques to develop increased awareness, knowledge and involvement with CLEAR Plan 2030.  Build project awareness in communities so they understand and engage in present and future efforts. Identifying the Community, Partners and Stakeholders

Identifying and reaching out to the community, partners and stakeholders will help the LRT obtain the support, resources and input to advance the project. The development of key messages and outreach materials will help to educate and inform that community about the project, opening up the channels of communication. By asking for and using community input the LRT will be able to address priorities. For the purpose of this project, CLEAR Plan 2030, the following definitions will be used:

Community: The community is typically the geographic and political area most affected by the project. Because the CLEAR Plan 2030 project crosses many political jurisdictions, the LRT will seek input from residents to define “community”.

Partners: Organizations that are willing to lend resources or provide expertise and leadership are considered “partners”.

Stakeholders: Throughout the planning area are different groups that have a particular interest in the overall project. These may include residents, business owners, industry professionals and other interest or advocacy groups. These individuals or groups are important because they can lend resources, financial support and the support of their members.

Community engagement is not a linear process; as the project evolves, so must the engagement process. The LRT will continually assess the effectiveness of the messages, outreach materials and partners to ensure that the goals of the LRT, project and the community are being met.

This plan will address the project in four phases:

7 Data Collection Outreach and Education Communication and Input Assessment and Modification

Viewing the project through four phases will help the LRT begin thinking of stakeholders and appropriate partners for each phase of the project. It is important to note that there will be overlap between these phases, and that one phase will not necessarily end as another gets underway. Community engagement will be ongoing throughout all phases of the project, and continue after the close of the HUD Sustainable Communities Grant. Data Collection

The planning process will begin by collecting data on existing plans, processes and policies throughout the East Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commissions jurisdiction. An initial inventory of existing plans on file at the Commission will be conducted followed by contact to local governments and other planning entities requesting information on existing planning documents that may be available. This information will be used to assess the state of existing livability readiness and elements already in place.

Census data will be used to assess the population throughout the region. This will assist in identifying traditionally marginalized and underserved populations. In addition to Census data, professional local entities (Department of Human Resources, local charities and the Talladega School for the Deaf and Blind, among others) will be consulted to identify strategies to market the CLEAR Plan 2030 project to various population groups.

An inventory of broadcast entities (radio and television) and print media will be created. These entities will be asked to partner with the Consortium to provide outreach and communication to the public for the project in the form of advertising, press releases, and other forms of media coverage (meetings, planning sessions, project status updates, etc.). Additionally, project and participation information will be distributed to public libraries throughout the region. Outreach and Education

CLEAR Plan 2030 is intended to be a grass roots planning effort. Residents of the region will be encouraged to participate in planning sessions, attend meetings and provide input and feedback during the entire project period and beyond. It is for this reason that outreach and education is imperative. Education of what

8 livability is and is not, how the coordinated uses of resources can improve quality of life and how residents can become a part of the planning process will play a crucial role in the success of this project.

Outreach and education will be accomplished by development and distribution of printed materials throughout the region. These materials will contain project background, project objective and information on where and how to get additional information and how to get involved in the process. Additionally, once identified, outreach efforts will be made to marginalized and special populations. These efforts will be focused and if possible, made in person with as much one- to-one contact as possible.

In addition to printed material, electronic media will be used to promote outreach and education. Project staff will develop and maintain a project website with forum for two way communications, Facebook page and Google Plus page. These items will be maintained to provide project updates, meeting date’s, times and locations, and information regarding resident involvement in the project. Additionally, these elements will provide open, two way forms of communication among residents, project staff, partners and interested parties.

A third form of outreach and education to be utilized will be that of broadcast media. When appropriate, local access television programming will be used to inform the public about the project and status, as well as promote citizen participation in the project. Communication and Input

In addition to the previously mentioned vehicles of communication, the public will be encouraged to provide information as well as feedback to the LRT’s, Consortium and project partners. One of the goals of the community engagement process is to ensure that all residents have an opportunity for their voice, thoughts and opinions to be heard and recognized.

As the project area is enormous for a project of this kind, special effort will be made to have a presence in each county in the project area. This can be accomplished by partnering with various Chambers of Commerce throughout the region. Virtually all counties (except one, Coosa County) have established Chambers of Commerce. These entities may be used to help in outreach, education, advertising and other venues as necessary. The Chambers of Commerce may serve as local champions of the project for both the business and private community members.

Project staff will visit each county in the planning area to provide an opportunity for the public to ask questions, give input and opinions of what they want or

9 expect a livable community to consist of and offer residents. Additionally, during these visits, information about the opportunities for residents to serve on various LRT’s will be offered.

In addition to open meetings in each County, a survey instrument will be developed and distributed throughout the region. The population of the region consists of approximately 470,000 residents. A survey response goal of 1%, rounded up to 5,000 survey responses, will be set. Staff will also strive for 1% response goal within each county.

Survey advertisement and distribution will be a monumental task. Avenues for advertisement will consist of word-of-mouth, print media, radio and television where feasible. Press releases will be sent to all newspapers throughout the region. The project website will contain information regarding the survey and links to Survey Monkey to complete the survey. The survey will be available in paper form as well as digitally. Partnerships should be built with school systems and used as an avenue for survey distribution. Other avenues for survey distribution can include institutions of higher learning, local civic clubs, public service entities, and human resource entities. Email distribution lists will also be used, with recommendations that recipients forward the survey to family, friends, neighbors and colleagues within the region to participate in the survey. The project Facebook page will also contain access to the survey.

At each input phase of the project, the public will be given an opportunity to review the interpretation of that input as it relates to project development, and given the opportunity to provide feedback on the project status thus far. This can be done through public meetings, via electronic media or by personal contact with project staff. Assessment and Modification

The community engagement process will be constantly assessed for effectiveness and modified as necessary. Should processes undertaken seem ineffective; the Community Engagement LRT will analyze existing methodologies and adjust them accordingly. New methods of engagement may be implemented at any time to bolster engagement and participation throughout the planning process.

10 Community Engagement beyond the Grant Period of Performance

Community engagement must be kept alive beyond the initial planning phase of this project. If implementation is to be achieved, the residents of the region must embrace livability and constantly champion the process. If the projects and processes are left solely to other parties (local governments, non-profit entities, commercial resources, etc.) resistance to livability may be spurred and residents may feel certain facets of livability are being forced upon them. Every effort must be made to ensure CLEAR Plan 2030 is a grassroots driven planning process, and the Plan that occurs as a result is truly resident driven/developed. The Community Engagement LRT will identify champions in each county to promote consistent and continued support for the CLEAR Plan 2030. This project will produce a living document for the residents and local governments of the East Alabama Region. Two strategies thus far identified for continued community engagement beyond the grant period of performance (December 31, 2013) are:

 An annual review and update of the CLEAR Plan 2030 by residents, local governments and interested parties throughout the region.  Bi-monthly newsletter made available via the project website, emailed to those who sign up to receive project updates and a printed document made available to libraries, county extension offices, local governments and other public offices.

11 Appendix A – Community Engagement LRT members

 Community Foundation of Northeast Alabama – Co-Chair  United Way of East Central Alabama – Co-Chair  United Way of Etowah County  Calhoun County Emergency Management Agency  Alabama Power  Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce  City of Heflin  Town of Goodwater  Town of Camp Hill  Town of Jackson’s Gap  Calhoun County Commission  Private Citizens throughout the Region

Outreach for membership on this LRT will be conducted through word-of-mouth, social media, personal invitation and at public events where residents can volunteer to participate as an LRT member.

All local governments within the region will receive personal invitations for membership and participation. Additionally, each will be kept informed of progress made in the planning process and of any public events scheduled in their jurisdiction. Local elected officials will be encouraged to participate.

12 Appendix B – Action Items

 Set individual survey goals for each participating county  Identify at least one lead contact in each county that through relationships can open doors and provide local information.  Provide crucial lifestyle information to local officials to be utilized in numerous capacities to plan for the future of the region.  Work with each county to identify key groups that would allow for speaking opportunities and/or survey distribution.  Gather needed information concerning resident’s needs and desires for their neighborhood and the larger region in the future.  Schedule two meetings/Conversations in each county within the Clear Plan 2030 planning area by August 2013.  Identify common themes throughout the region and prioritize needs for future strategic planning sessions.  Schedule Final Conversation and include all participating counties via satellite by November 2013.  Present the Final Plan to the EARPDC Board of Directors, other interested entities and the community as a whole in December of 2013.

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Appendix C – Media Contacts

Print Media Address City, State and Zip Code Phone Anniston Star 4305 McClellan Blvd Anniston, AL 36202 256-236-1551 Anniston Star 4305 McClellan Blvd Anniston, AL 36202 256-235-3541 Cherokee County Herld 107 First Avenue West Centre, AL 35960 256-927-5037 Gadsden Times 401 Locust Street Gadsden, AL 35902 256-549-2048 Cleburne County News PO Box 67 Heflin, AL 36264 256-463-2872 The Daily Home 6 Sylacauga Highway Talladega, AL 35161 256-396-1000 Valley Times News PO Box 850 Lanett, AL 36863 334-644-8100 Lafayette Sun Times PO Box 378 Lafayette, AL 36862 334-864-8885 Coosa County News PO Box 99 Rockford, AL 35156 256-377-2525 The Alexander City Outlook PO Box 999 Alexander City, AL 35011 256-234-4281 The Randolph Leader PO Box 1267 Roanoke, AL 36274 334-863-2819 Clay Times Journal PO Box 97 Lineville, AL 36266 256-396-5760 Gadsden Messenger 408 Broad Street Gadsden, AL 35901 256-547-1049 Gadsden Reporter 608 Chestnut St Gadsden, AL 35901 256-547-3357 Broadcast - Television 800 Concourse Parkway, ABC 3340 Suite 200 Birmingham, AL 35244 205-403-3320 WIAT-TV CBS 42 2075 Golden Crest Drive Birmingham, Alabama 35209 205-322-4200 Fox 6 P.O. Box 6 Birmingham, AL 35201 205-322-6666 TV 24 PO Box 3248 Oxford, AL 36203 256-458-0366 NBC13 WVTM-TV 1732 Valley View Drive Birmingham, AL 35209 205-558-7280 Broadcast - Radio WDNG 1115 Leighton Avenue Anniston, AL 36207 205-236-8291 WVOK (K98) PO Box 3770 Oxford, AL 36203 256-835-1580 WGRW (Grace Radio) P.O. Box 2555 Anniston, AL 36202 256-238-9990 WHMA (The Big 95) 801 Noble Street Anniston, Alabama 36201 256-591-0399 WPIL FM 256 Brockford Road Heflin, AL 36264 256-463-4226 WELR (Eagle Radio) 6855 HWY 431 Roanoke, AL 36274 334-863-4139 WTDR (Thunder Radio) 1913 Barry St Oxford, AL 36203 256-741-6000 WTLS P.O. Box 780146 Tallassee, AL 36078 334-283-8200 WACQ 320 Barnett Blvd Tallassee, AL 36078 334-283-6888 Weiss Radio 477 Pratt Street Centre, AL 35960 256-927-5152 Internet Services/Graphics Widenet Consulting, LLC 1400 Commerce Blvd, Ste 6 Anniston, AL 36207 866-645-9235

14 Appendix C: Media Outlets throughout the East Alabama Region

15 Appendix D – Traditionally Marginalized Populations

For the purpose of this project, the definitions of traditionally marginalized populations and underserved populations are interchangeable and defined as presented in the 2010 Sustainable Communities Regional Planning Grant Notice of Funding Availability: “groups of individuals who fall within one or more of the categories protected under the Fair Housing Act and who are:

 Of an immigrant population (especially racial and ethnic minorities who are non-English speaking or have limited English proficiency);  In rural populations;  Homeless;  Persons with disabilities (e.g. physical or mental) who can be historically documented who have been subject to discriminatory practices not having been the focus of federal, state or local fair housing enforcement efforts;  Persons in areas that are heavily populated with minorities where there is inadequate protection or ability to provide service from the state or local government or private fair housing organizations, or  Populations that have faced generational economic disadvantage, job dislocation, or other forces that prevent them from achieving individual and family self-sufficiency.”

The funding agency for this project, U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, has mandated that the project observe a robust citizen outreach component with an outcome of increased decision making in developing and implementing a long-range vision for the region by populations traditionally marginalized in public planning processes. To that effort, the Community Engagement LRT will make extensive effort to reach out to marginalized populations throughout the various planning phases, activities and communications. This effort will provide all aspects of the policy and development of plans and alternative options to residents in sufficient time for them to review, react, and make informed decisions on how proposed plans and policies will impact their daily lives.

Activities should prioritize ways to engage communities traditionally marginalized from planning processes, such as low-income individuals and families, limited English speaking populations, persons with disabilities, and the elderly. This will be accomplished by conducting individualized project presentations at senior citizen centers and housing authorities. As they are identified, other entities will receive individualized attention as well. Additionally, where appropriate, materials will be made available in non-English languages for special populations. Currently, these languages indentified in the region include Spanish and Braille and will be expanded as other needs arise.

16 The following table identifies the populations across the East Alabama Region:

CALHOUN COUNTY 118,572 CLEBURNE COUNTY 14,972 RANDOLPH COUNTY 22,913 Anniston 23,106 Edwardsville 202 Roanoke 6,074 Hobson City 771 Fruithurst 284 Wadley 751 Jacksonville 12,548 Heflin 3,480 Wedowee 823 Ohatchee 1,170 Ranburne 409 Woodland 184 Oxford 21,348 Piedmont 4,878 Weaver 3,038

CHAMBERS COUNTY 34,215 COOSA COUNTY 11,539 TALLADEGA COUNTY 82,291 LaFayette 3,003 Goodwater 1,475 Childersburg 5,175 Lanett 6,468 Kellyton 217 Lincoln 6,266 Valley 9,524 Rockford 477 Munford 1,292 Waverly 145 Oak Grove 528 Sylacauga 12,749 Talladega 15,676 Talladega Springs 166 Waldo 283

CHEROKEE COUNTY 25,989 ETOWAH COUNTY 104,430 TALLAPOOSA COUNTY 41,616 Cedar Bluff 1,820 Altoona 933 Alexander City 14,875 Centre 3,489 Attalla 6,048 Camp Hill 1,014 Gaylesville 144 Gadsden 36,856 Dadeville 3,230 Leesburg 1,027 Glencoe 5,160 Daviston 214 Sand Rock 560 Hokes Bluff 4,286 Jackson's Gap 828 Rainbow City 9,602 New Site 773 Reece City 653 Ridgeville 112 Sardis City 1,704 CLAY COUNTY 13,932 Southside 8,412 Ashland 2,037 Walnut Grove 698 Lineville 2,395

The following maps will be used to assist in identifying marginalized populations and determining outreach locations throughout the region. In addition to spatial analysis, professionals in the fields of housing, public assistance, and citizen participation will be consulted to design and implement region-wide, all-inclusive community engagement to ensure proper outreach to the marginalized populations is performed.

17 Appendix D: Racially Concentrated Areas of Poverty throughout the East Alabama Region

18 Appendix D: Percentage of Minority Population by Census Tract, 2010

19 Appendix D: Poverty by Race (2007-2011 American Community Survey 5 Year Estimates)

20 Appendix D: HOUSING AUTHORITIES THROUGHOUT THE REGION MAP

21 Appendix D: Senior Citizens Centers throughout the Region

CALHOUN COUNTY Anniston Anniston Senior Center Walter Goggins 980 Little Brant Drive (256) 241-2678 Anniston, AL Hobson City Hobson City Senior Center Rosa Morris 610 MLK Drive (256) 831-7067 Hobson City, AL Fax (256) 831-0442 Jacksonville Jacksonville Senior Center Wendy Thompson 320 Church Avenue, S.E. (256) 435-9199 Jacksonville, AL Fax (256) 435-3427 Ohatchee Ohatchee Senior Center Darlene Lindsey 7805 AL Hwy 77 (256) 892-9245 Ohatchee, AL Fax (256) 892-1208 Oxford Oxford Senior Center Shirley Gaines 424 Main Street (256) 831-5900 Oxford, AL Fax (256) 835-6110 Piedmont Piedmont Senior Center Diane Murphy 612 Calhoun Street (256) 447-3365 Piedmont, AL Fax (256) 447-2958 Weaver Weaver Senior Center Anna Warren 406 Anniston Street (256) 820-5049 Weaver, AL Fax (256) 820-3502

CHAMBERS COUNTY LaFayette LaFayette Senior Center Mary Kyles 50 Alabama Avenue, W. (334) 864-0938 LaFayette, AL Fax (334) 864-2205 Lanett Lanett Senior Center Jane Farrar 214 North Lanier Ave. (334) 644-6408 Lanett, AL Fax (334) 664-5240 Valley Valley Senior Center Suellen Snowden 504 Combs Street (334) 756-5265 Valley, AL Fax (334) 756-5245 Waverly Waverly Senior Center Carolyn Moreman 2094 Patrick Street (334) 887-6453 Waverly, AL Town Hall (334) 887- 0999

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CHEROKEE COUNTY Centre Dean Buttram, Senior Janet Tucker Senior Nutrition Center (256) 927-8432 229 Dean Buttram Sr Ave Fax (256) 927-6294 Centre, AL

CLAY COUNTY Ashland Ashland Senior Center Sue Knight 45 2nd Ave. North (256) 354-3229 Ashland, AL Fax (256) 354-2589 Lineville Lineville Senior Center Elaine Harry 60169 Hwy 49 N. (256) 618-2215 Lineville, AL Fax (256) 396-5106

CLEBURNE COUNTY Fruithurst Fruithurst Senior Center Charlotte Funderburk 48 School Street (256) 579-2105 Fruithurst, AL Heflin Heflin Senior Center Jane Beam Community Center Building (256) 463-5434 1228 Coleman Street Fax (256) 463-5669 Heflin, AL Ranburne Ranburne Senior Center Teresa Welch 21383 Hwy 46, Main Street (256) 568-5726 Ranburne, AL 36279

COOSA COUNTY Goodwater Goodwater Senior Center Shirley Smoot 431 Clay Street (256) 839-5653 Goodwater, AL Fax (256) 839-5663 Rockford Rockford Senior Center TBA Masonic Building (256) 377-4888 36273 Main Street Rockford, AL West Coosa Old Stewartville School Linda Goswick 41 Old Coleman Road (256) 249-2024 Stewartville, AL Fax (256) 245-9164

ETOWAH COUNTY Attalla Attalla Senior Center Donna Lee Willie Carnes Rec. Center (256) 570-0202 102 Case Avenue, S.E. Fax (256) 538-3712 Attalla, AL

23 Elliott Elliott Senior Center Lisa Guffey Elliott Community Center (256) 549-4735 2837 W. Meighan Blvd. Fax (256) 549-4678 Gadsden, AL

Gadsden Carver Senior Center Delma Smith 1030 Tuscaloosa Ave. (256) 549-4767 Gadsden, AL Fax (256) 549-4678 Glencoe George Wallace Senior Center Faith Jones 407 Hollingsworth Park Lane (256) 492-4911 Glencoe, AL Fax (256) 492-7900 Hokes Bluff Hokes Bluff Senior Center Brenda Richards 5981 Gilliland Street (256) 492-2511 Hokes Bluff, AL Fax (256) 492-2511 Lookout Mountain Lookout Mtn. Senior Center Sandy Dyer 4567 Lay Springs Road (256) 543-7813 Gadsden, AL 35904 Fax (256) 549-5400 Sardis City Sardis City Senior Center Nellie Rhoades 1335 Sardis Drive (256) 593-6432 Sardis City, AL Fax (256) 593-6258 Walnut Grove Walnut Grove Senior Center Brenda Garrard 5151 Walnut Grove Road (205) 589-6001 Walnut Grove, AL Fax (205) 589-4565

RANDOLPH COUNTY Roanoke Roanoke Senior Center Catherine Trammell 500 West Point Street (334) 863-4217 (Approximately 1 mile East of Handley High School) Roanoke, AL Wedowee Wedowee Senior Center Elaine Blake Town Hall (256) 357-2432 116 North Main Street Fax (256) 357-2520 Wedowee, AL Woodland Woodland Senior Center Bill Lane 648 County Road 51 (256) 449-2639 Woodland, AL 36280

TALLADEGA COUNTY Childersburg Childersburg Senior Center Vickie Moody 65 Graves Avenue (256) 378-7037 Childersburg, AL Munford Munford Senior Center Judy Moon 115 Lions Road (256) 358-6437 Munford, AL

24 Oak Grove Oak Grove Senior Center Debbie Reynolds 2364 Forest Glen Road (256) 249-3638 Oak Grove, AL Sylacauga Sylacauga Maxye Veazey Sandy Mitchell Senior Adult Activity Center (256) 249-8659 2 West 8th Street Sylacauga, AL Talladega Talladega Senior Center Sandra Cameron Mabry Community Center (256) 362-5769 309 North MLK Drive Fax (256) 362-2999 Talladega, AL Talladega Springs Talladega Springs Wellness Glenda Kelley Center (256) 249-0802 32 Old Cedar Creek Road Sylacauga, AL

TALLAPOOSA COUNTY Alexander City Alexander City Senior Center Janice Taylor Charles T. Porch Center (256) 234-4074 82 Court Square Alexander City, AL Camp Hill Camp Hill Senior Center Louise Floyd Housing Authority Bldg. (256) 896-2943 125 Henderson Drive Camp Hill, AL Dadeville Dadeville Recreation Center Betty Smith 600 E. Columbus Street (256) 825-7455 Dadeville, AL Fax (256) 825-9291 Wall Street Wall Street Senior Center Jackie Haynes Golden Horizons Center (334) 283-8187 415 Wall Street East Tallassee, AL

25 Appendix D: Senior Citizens Center Locations throughout the Region

26 Lessons Learned

Community outreach and engagement is an arduous task. There are several levels of engagement (see table on page 6) and it is important to determine the level of engagement sought and to emphasize that throughout the process.

The term community engagement itself is challenging. To begin, one must define the “community” and target outreach and engagement efforts to those populations and entities that fit within the definition.

Consistency is paramount to successful community engagement. To be effective to the process clear and consistent messages must be distributed throughout the project to avoid confusion as well as keep the project on target.

Community engagement is not a one size fits all activity. In many instances, materials and presentations have to be customized to hold the interest of diverse groups and populations. However, while customizing to address diversity, consistency in messages, goals and all other communications must be practiced.

To gather input for this project, a survey instrument was created. Initially, the survey was an 8 page document which required 30 to 40 minutes to thoughtfully complete. A sampling of survey respondents stated that the survey was simply too long and many of the questions did not apply to them or the areas in which they live. Such is the challenge in collecting information from large, diverse populations and geographic areas. The Community Engagement LRT reviewed the survey and a shorter, user friendly version was created. Although some of the information and purpose was lost in this revision, in the end an instrument that collected information regarding resident’s perception of the communities in which they live and what resources were available to them regarding livable communities was developed and deployed.

It is important to have a variety of tools to engage the community. Brochures and handouts, and meeting flyers and public meeting notices – all traditional avenues for informing community members of activities are not as effective as they once were. Many newspapers have stopped printing certain daily issues due to electronic media. To truly saturate the community with information regarding projects and make residents aware of the opportunity to participate, many tools must be employed…electronic and print media, broadcasts, and word of mouth must all be used to drench the project area with information regarding engagement opportunities. Additionally, it must be made convenient for the public. If the only avenue for feedback is to attend a meeting to converse, engagement will be sorely limited. The public must be given options such as email, digital public forums, and telephone hotlines (or at least a contact name

27 and phone number) and/or postage paid comment cards distributed in convenient locations to inform and provide feedback avenues.

Messages must be sent through various media methods. As previously mentioned, newsprint is no longer a reliable source of informing the public, especially in rural areas. The diversity of the region and its communication methods (reliable internet, or the lack of – clear radio stations, public venues for posting flyers etc.) poses challenges to ensuring the most effective advertising and informational campaign. One tried and true method is still effective in the rural areas, and that is partnering with education resources to relay messages. Elementary school children were given take home information in their weekly folders and this proved an excellent avenue for communicating messages, although it did have the drawback of not reaching those without elementary school aged children.

Particularly challenging is the interpretation of messages. Many times, although the message or purpose of this project was clearly stated, there were times elements of it were misinterpreted and residents provided input that was irrelevant or out of context to the purpose of this project. While the message can be worded and simply as possible, sometimes it is what is not said that can be taken as covert or subliminal actions to mislead or deceive the public. One cannot be overcautious in crafting project messages.

Geographical challenges, especially in rural areas are particularly burdensome. While rural areas do tend to have local meeting places, transportation can pose a problem for residents wishing to participate in community engagement. If one does not have access to personal/private transportation, access is limited. Additionally, it is difficult to convey the concept of regionalism to residents – many of whom have never been out of their own county.

Identification of key stakeholders and gatekeepers is challenging in such a large region. Only through expanding networks and continual outreach and searches are those key supporters and proponents uncovered. This can prove to be a time consuming process and should be started early in any project.

Residents participating in community engagement will want to help. Some will be willing to go beyond providing input and reviewing strategies. Roles for these individuals should be identified early in outreach development so that these volunteers can contribute in a meaningful way and not become disillusioned about the process by giving menial tasks and “busy work”.

Finally, a note about budgeting. While many local papers are willing to print press releases and cover meetings at no cost, funding is vital to proper community engagement. Whether funding is used to hire community

28 engagement professionals, pay for advertising, or secure technology or meeting space, a well thought out community engagement strategy should allow for some financial expenditure. While some partners in the project may be willing to accept responsibility or provide cost sharing for advertising, meeting and outreach materials and other items such as refreshments at public meetings, this is not a reliable means to accomplish the mission of community engagement.

29