Sarasota Livin'

I have been subscribed to SRQ Magazines Page 1 probably since it started. I read it most every day and usually find something of interest. Like this notice about John McKnight speaking in Newtown. Truer words .....

McKnight Urges Newtown Change

This past Saturday, the city of Sarasota, along with residents of Newtown, hosted a public workshop at the Booker T. Washington Middle School. The goal was to shed some light on the unique challenges facing that particular community, and attempt to advance the dialogue between its residents and those outside of the community.

Titled as a "New Day in Newtown," many leaders from the city, staff and the community showed up to contribute to the nearly four-hour long workshop that covered such topics as economic development, law enforcement, neighborhoods, social services and youth services.

Professor John McKnight was asked to speak at the event because, for nearly three decades he has conducted research on social service delivery systems, health policy, community organizations, neighborhood policy, and institutional racism, which are many of the challenges facing Newtown today.

He ended his speech by saying, "Nothing will work in a neighborhood unless the neighborhood is willing to change."