“To put it mildly, we live in interesting times. The future of national politics is as extreme as it is unpredictable, and yet we all have a place to engage, to do our part, guided by our own judgment and values. The presidential race is a colorful spectacle, and rare enough to hold our attention as a novelty. Let us not forget our own lives, our relationships, and our communities, because this is where we live. When change happens at the upmost heights of power, how do we bring the benefits into our own lives, or shield against that which is disagreeable?

Participatory Budgeting brings this power and agency to individuals and communities, in a way that trusts you and your community. The Community Democracy Project is making significant strides towards this goal, and is always bringing people together through our regular events.”

-Jesse

Every Sunday The Community Democracy Project holds a community conversation and strategy meeting.
Where: Omni Commons 4799 Shattuck 
When: Sunday, March 20th @ 6:30pmThis week Tia, one of CDP’s co-directors, will facilitate a workshop on how to empower children through story time. Tia has volunteered with Oakland Public Library’s Books For Wider Horizons program since 2009 and reads radical picture books to preschool students every week.

The intent of this workshop is to give adults the skills and tools needed to create a safe space for young children to fall in love with reading.

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Join CDP for Happy Hour and Text Banking 
Where: Lost and Found 2040 Telegraph Ave
When: Thursday, March 24^th @6pmWe’re always reaching out to our supporters while having a good time. Grab a drink, hangout, spread radical seeds of democracy, and it’s only a Thursday!

As I reflect on the time I spend with The Community Democracy Project I’m inspired by the vast network of Participatory Budgeting taking place throughout the world. We’re not alone in our ideas; we’re not alone in our goals. Across the globe communities are gathering to collectively make the decisions that impact our lives most.

The City of Oakland Department of Housing & Community Development (HCD) invites you to a community meeting at City Hall on Wednesday, March 23rd from 6-8 pm about Participatory Budgeting (PB) and how it can work for Oakland’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds. Participatory Budgeting is a different way to manage public money, and works to engage people in government. It is a democratic process in which community members directly decide how to spend part of a public budget.HCD is seeking input on how to incorporate PB to renew public participation by Oakland’s low- and moderate-income residents in the City of Oakland’s CDBG allocation process. In this community meeting, staff from the Participatory Budgeting Project (PBP), based in Oakland, will join us to provide an introductory presentation about PB and how it has worked in other cities. We will then explore how the PB process could work for Oakland and hear your input on what elements would make it a success. This workshop is especially for current District Board members, Oakland organizations receiving CDBG funds, and community groups that work with Oakland’s low-income residents.

Introductory Workshop on Participatory Budgeting in Oakland
City Hall, Hearing Room 3, 1 Frank Ogawa Plaza, Oakland
Wednesday, March 23rd, 2016 from  6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Please RSVP by filling out this form HERE by March 22nd. 

You can also RSVP by contacting the City of Oakland Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program staff at cdbg@oaklandnet.com or 510-238-3716.

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Want us to speak at your event?
Want to host a community conversation at one of our meetings?
Email us at: CommunityDemocracyProject@gmail.com

With Love,
CDP