Saving detroit starts with us

TO THE DETROIT PEOPLE, BUSNESSES, MEDIA AND GOVERNING BODY:

Hello, my name is Michael Stemmler and I’ve got an idea and a plan, I call it the Coalition for a better Detroit [[CFABD) and I feel that it could change our city in a wonderful way.
PLEASE READ, I NEED YOUR SUPPORT, THANK YOU! : )
[[THIS IS NOT A SCAM OR ANYTHING LIKE THAT, IM A PROUD PERSON OF DETROIT THAT WANTS CHANGE)
Our city was once a wonderful place. It was safe, clean and respectable. We have had an amazing history like no other city. From the assembly lines to the Motown sound to the championships to the talent. But things started to decline for our city. Crime levels went up, riots broke out in the streets and more and more people started moving to the safer suburbs. In 1950 Detroit had 1,848,568 citizens and now in 2009 it is estimated that Detroit has only 900,000 left and declining each year.
It’s because Detroit has many problems to deal with. The problem is that no one really has tried to get this city back on track. My plan incorporates the citizens, business and leaders of Detroit, something that has never been done. Uniting this city is a must, we cannot keep going on fighting each other and progress.
We have had mayor after mayor try to “fix� Detroit just to end up doing little to nothing. Sure Kwame Kilpatrick did a lot of good for the city, but that is just our downtown area. The real work needs to take place in the neighborhoods. Where abandoned houses scatter the landscape, prostitutes walk the streets, drug dealers sell their dope and gangs think they run the streets. I say it’s time for us as a city and as a people banned together and stand up against all of the senselessness that’s been haunting Detroit for so long now. There is no need for us to live like this and do nothing.
I have a growing plan for allot of our problems:
Abandoned buildings
Graffiti
Crime levels
Drugs
Litter
Bringing back residents
Home beatification
New housing projects
The Coalition for a better Detroit mission:
To clean up Detroit, bring back residents and to make our city shine again. At one time Detroit was a great city. Safe, clean, and respectable. And it can be again, BUT ONLY WITH YOUR HELP! The businesses, citizens and the leaders of Detroit must come together and unite to make this happen.

I have a plan that could work, but only will through allot of help. VOLUNTEER WORK is a major back bone of this, along with DONATIONS and SPONSORS.

But I am just one person, a 21 year old born and raised in Detroit who is proud.
I need your help in this. I’ve never taken on anything like this before, but with your help WE ALL can make a change and turn Detroit into a beautiful safe place once again.
I’m asking you to visit my site http://cfabdetroit.synthasite.com/ and read more about what I’ve planned out so far. I’d also like any suggestions or questions emailed to me at cfabdetroit@yahoo.com. Or write to me at michaelstemmler1987@yahoo.com.
But most of all I want help in getting this up and running.

Yay, another person who rides into the city thinking they alone can fix all our problems. If only they can get the rest of the city organized.

Why don't you join with one of the many other groups trying to do exactly what you are doing? There are many organizations working hard to improve the city. Your ideas are not new. You're not the only one trying to improve the city. Why don't you spend your energies in a group that's already steup and running and not try to create more redundancy in the city.

I don't know about you, but I STILL think Detroit is a wonderful place.

There's a lot of organizations like this - what is different about this? I've helped with aquariums, demolished a couple crackhouses, painted and installed play furniture... what does your organization propose to do that all the others don't?

[[BTW - take the politics out of your pitch with the Kilpatrick mention).

p.s. - Amen ndavies. No need for another organization, but there is need for more hands to do the work. There's a lot of self-importance with this whole "knight in shining armor" stuff [[whether or not they're actually from the city). Just get involved and do it and stop making it about yourself.

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Originally Posted by ndavies

Yay, another person who rides into the city thinking they alone can fix all our problems.

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But I am just one person, a 21 year old born and raised in Detroit who is proud.

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I don't think he rode into the city.

I did read, His message was the same as any other 21 year old wanna be savior. Why is he trying to recruit when there are so many organizations that already do this type of work in the neighborhoods? Wouldn't his effort be better utilized doing actual work, rather than trying to recruit people into his brand new organization? Obviously he hasn't looked beyond his own tiny little mind to try and find out what thousands of other people are trying to do for the city. Groups that have already done the recruiting, already have funds to be disperesed, trees to plant, houses to tear down, houses to build, parks to clean, buildings to paint, students to tutor, and are in need of volunteers.

If he had looked, he would know about the huge number of great organizations doing work within his city.

I’m not tiny minded as you say. Sure there are MANY groups TRYING to make a difference. The problem with them is that they aren’t really doing any big changes that people can see and they are not well known. There are new ideas in my plan if you would actually read it and stop thinking you know everything like most people in the city.

Not well known? Not making any real changes? Do you live in the same city we do? Sure, nothing's perfect - but before you go making an organization get a little experience with some and find out where the needs are.

Greening of Detroit? Blight Busters? Friends of the Belle Isle Aquarium? The various Community Garden folks? The CDCs? Preservation Wayne? The save Tiger Stadium folks? The multitude of churches doing positive work? [[and that's just a smattering off the top of my head). There are PLENTY of opportunities no matter what your personal passion is or hobbies that could be put to good, positive use.

The LAST thing we need is another organization. It's not that we know everything, but I remember when I was 19 or 20. I was an idealistic dumbass too who didn't have enough experience to realize all the great things going around me until someone kicked me in the ass a bit and taught me how to make bread instead of bitching there's nothing on the shelf.

Went to the site, first thing you need is a volunteer web designer to help your site look like you didn't do it. Not being a smartass, but no one is going to take you seriously with a site that looks like that, to begin with.

CFAB, don't let your ego get in the way of helping out.

You certainly don't need to start anything new, that would be a complete and total waste of resources, especially YOUR energy and time.


Don't let what appears at first to be cynicism and critique appear negative. We speak these as encouragements, we've been there and back with these sorts of things.

Cheers

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Originally Posted by CFABDETROIT

I’m not tiny minded as you say. Sure there are MANY groups TRYING to make a difference. The problem with them is that they aren’t really doing any big changes that people can see and they are not well known. There are new ideas in my plan if you would actually read it and stop thinking you know everything like most people in the city.

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This last post just proves how little experience you have. These groups aren't trying to make a difference, they are making a difference. They are doing great things to improve the environment we live in. And they could do a lot more if people like you volunteered to help.

Without these groups this city would be in far worse shape. You just fail to see the good works of the many organizations and their volunteers within the city. Many of whom are your neighbors and fellow churchgoers.

Is it possible that he's looked at the other organizations and thinks he can do a better job? Who cares how many organizations are formed to help the city. What difference does it make if 100 new organizations spring up with enthusiastic young people. If he gets volunteers it will work, if he doesn't, it won’t.

I looked at the website, and I think you've done a great job. I applaud your efforts.

Thank you terridarlin. And your rite, I do feel I could do a better job, not because I'm self righteous or cocky but because I know if I can get THIS PLAN up and running it would work and make a BIGGER difference. Yes I did say bigger, don't go and twist that last statement into "me thinking I’m a savior" or whatever because it's not about that at all. I see this plan as making a difference to the entire city in a shorter period of time and to more people. I feel this plan would have a bigger effect on our city. READ MY PLANS then judge, don’t judge my site. I don’t care if it looks homemade, it’s just there to help get the word out and tell what I’m trying to tell everyone on here.

Your plan sounds great! Will you be paying in cash or money order? Sorry no checks or credit cards, thank you!

CFAB, instead of trying to start something new you should take this to One D, which is a coalition of organizations striving to improve the City and try to work in tandem and not against them. They already have many years of experience and are trying to draw on several different groups to improve the quality of life in the City. Note the one D Movement is relatively new, but its members are looking to work together to improve things in a coordinated fashion, each with their own specialties.

One D Includes:

Edsel B. Ford II, Lead Champion
CULTURAL ALLIANCE OF SOUTHEASTERN MICHIGAN
Steven K. Hamp, Chairman of the Board
Maud Lyon, Executive Director
DETROIT REGIONAL CHAMBER
Dan Loepp, Chairman of the Board
Richard E. Blouse, Jr., President and CEO
DETROIT RENAISSANCE
David Brandon, Chairman of the Board
Doug Rothwell, President
DETROIT METRO CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU
Christopher Ilitch, Chairman of the Board
Larry Alexander, President and CEO
NEW DETROIT, INC.
John Rakolta, Jr., Chairman of the Board
Shirley Stancato, President and CEO
UNITED WAY FOR SOUTHEASTERN MICHIGAN
Reginald Turner, Chairman of the Board
Michael J. Brennan, President and CEO
SEMCOG & Metropolitan Affairs Coalition [[MAC)
Paul Tait, Executive Director
Mary Blackmon, Wayne County RESA, SEMCOG chair
Debbie Dingell, GM Foundation, MAC Chair

Whoa wait just a minute, I have never said I am working against them. They are trying to help Detroit, that’s what we all want. I'm open to [[and think it’s a great idea) for originations to come together. Also, starting something new is not a bad thing... like I’ve said my plan is different. Besides, the more help to make Detroit better, is well... Better

It is better to do one thing well then lots of things badly. Your broad sweeping plan, although ambitious, is unattainable. Pick one thing from your list, research it, develop an attainable goal or measurable improvement, and then come back to market for support. Or find a nice box to stand on downtown preaching to the wind.

After checking each page on the CFABDetriot website, I can say that you have good, misguided and idealistic goals.

For example, from the "Volunteer Police" page,

"The Detroit Police Department is est. 700 officers short of where they should be.

I propose a volunteer "police" force to patrol Detroit Neighborhoods. These volunteers will go through a short but intensive training, have an extensive background check done and given uniforms, walky-talkies and ID badges. Along with mace, handcuffs, and maybe other form of weapon or defense.

These volunteers will have the right to arrest individuals who are breaking the law, write tickets and hold the individual until the DPD can come and take care of the rest of the process.

Vehicles driven by volunteers will have a light [[same as the Angle's Night volunteers) on top of their car."

Now I'm pretty sure the LAST thing the DPD wants is a bunch of mace-toting, chatty cathys on walkie - talkies handcuffing every "criminal" to a streetlight until the "real" cops show up to do the paperwork.

Your concepts have not been thought out completely, nor does it appear that you have contacted any other organizations [[other than Rays or Faygo) to see how legally, economically, or physically possible they are.

This is not a slam, let's call it constructive criticism. Btw, yellow text on a white background is nearly invisible to read...

CFABDETROIT,

I am also a newcomer to this forum, and I am also a longtime resident of Detroit. Many of the responses to your post disappoint me. You do present yourself as a bit of a crusader, but -- for my part -- I know that you will make a positive impact if you are diligent and determined.

There are lot of people who talk the talk about urban revitalization, but don't put there time where their mouth is. Others are extremely dedicated, but meet with disappointment. This region is full of despair, and it's hard not to catch the bug, when your ideals are battered by years of harsh reality.

In this world, sometimes crusaders do more than organizations, more than systems. Rarely, but sometimes. Do you want to be a crusader? Maybe that's your role. If so, please put on humility like a robe -- because Detroiters are extraordinarily sensitive to people who "know everything."

I do wish people on this board would remember that a keyboard is a weapon, and one really ought not crush another person's dream on their lunch break.

And that is why rite on the plan page of the web site it reads THIS PLAN IS STILL BEING WORKED ON. It's not perfected yet

And thank You Prodigal_Son. I'll take what you've said to heart. But trust Me I'm not trying to be or even want to be a crusader. I'm just tired of seeing the city I love go farther and farther down the wrong road.

A piece of advice - if you want to be taken seriously, drop the use of the word "plans" and put the focus on "actions". Mention that you have a "plan" and the typical response will be MEGO [[my eyes glaze over). Anybody can make a plan, very few people have the ability to also make it happen. A plan is nothing more than a piece of paper, or in your case a conglomeration of electrons, until it has the necessary resources and leadership behind it to begin implementation.

Focus on clearly defining the realistic actions and resources required to implement the desired change and it will make it easier to enlist the support of others who can provide the experienced leadership to make it happen.

SOD or Not SOD?

Your energy and optimism is commendable, but I think you need to harness that and narrow your outlook considerably. Your vision is too broad.

-Focus on the small detail first, like spelling common words like "right", "beautification", and "a lot" correctly.

-When you put information together, whether in posts or your website, use simple formats and fonts, not unreadable yellow text on white backgrounds or multiple text colors that give the reader a gran mal seizure. So you can change your text color, nobody cares.

-Don't create a "Plan for litter, grafitti, or home beautification". Join volunteer groups that are already doing these things. Nobody cares about your vision until you're picking up litter or scrubbing walls and they certainly aren't about to jump aboard your wagon because you asked them to.

-Listen to these guys that have been living in Detroit and know about and have created city advancement programs. They have years of experience that you cannot have at 21.

Cfab, welcome, but before your sunshine gets all the up to my sigmoid, why don't you start cleaning up Detroit, by cleaning up your spelling and grammar. After that, spend a week at Focus Hope, then another week riding the Salvation Army soup bus, followed by a week at Habitat for Humanity and another at your choice of BlightBusters or the Georgia Street Garden.

You can post the pix on your web-zine.

After your month of volunteering at those places you can then sit down and rite yur plan, cuz yull have allots of good idea.

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Originally Posted by digitalvision

The LAST thing we need is another organization.

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oh is that so? i wasn't aware that an over-abundance of volunteer organizations was the parasite slowly sucking detroit dry

you guys need to give this kid a break. it's not a bad thing to be young and full of ideas and ambition. sometimes that's exactly what you need to really do something big. would bill gates have dropped out of harvard to start microsoft if he had listened to all the nay sayers like you guys who were probably telling him to play it safe, stay in school and get a job?

Some of the responses here disappoint me. What we have is a young, energetic and apparently unselfish person who would like to try to make a difference. I think Detroit could use more of that, perhaps more than it could use anything else right now, but some of my fellow bloggers are making fun of his spelling and grammar. I'm sure that's not a useful response.

Also, those of you suggesting a new organization is not the answer are ignoring the frustration that most of us have felt in trying to work with all the existing volunteer organizations. Sure, there're hundreds of 'em, but to what effect? Detroit still continues to hemhorrage people; DPS is way down below 100K and still plummeting. George Will's description of Detroit in a recent column was "cows could graze there", and hate all you want, but cows could graze here. So how effective is all of this organizational churning around? Meetings are held by the thousands, but what really gets done?

Now, I agree there are some very useful organizations out there, like the Downtown Detroit Partnership and Focus: Hope, plus Habitat for Humanity's local effort, but how much use do any of those really have for energetic young people, other than the opportunity to volunteer once in a while?

If we can convince the young people to stay, we'll have accomplished something, and if the young folks would like to get organized, God bless them. What is there to lose? And if you think his web site looks amateurish, go back and read some of your own writings at age 21.

I'm glad that people like professorscott are on here, thank You very much for you support. Are as far as misspelling goes, I get excited when I’m typing about stuff I am amped up about. So yes, I have a few typos. Big deal

And when I get the bugs ironed out of my plan [[remember, this is new. few weeks old) I plan to invite every origination to join hand in hand to make Detroit a better place.

BTW, I took some advice and now the CFABD website has a new look.

Dang, I just looked at it. CFAB, it looks pretty good.

CFABDETROIT,

I respect your enthusiasm and desire to bring change to Detroit. The city needs more young people like you. However, I think you could channel your energy more effectively. I suggest you start off a little slower by working with a few organizations that have similar objectives, learn from them and your experiences so you can really start to effectively shape and build on your plans. A few suggestions:

Volunteer for a political campaign. There are three more mayoral elections this year and some 300 plus people expected to run for City Council this summer/fall. Find a candidate you like and do some volunteer work for them. This can be a very rewarding experience for not only yourself but your community. A few candidates you might be interested in:
Mayor Cockrel: www.cockrelfordetroit.com/
Dave Bing: www.bingformayor.com
John Bennett: www.bennettfordetroit.com

Volunteer for a few non-profits. Do a few things for a few of them to see what you like and where you would like to focus your efforts. Working with a variety of them will give you a better idea of just how many problems the city grapples with everyday. Plus, working with them will let you network with like-minded people who can help you with your ideas. A few well-established organizations worth touching base with:
Detroit Synergy: www.detroitsynergy.org
Big Brothers Big Sisters: www.bbbsdetroit.org
Greening of Detroit: www.greeningofdetroit.com

Best of luck with your efforts. The city needs more young people with your energy and idealism.

Thank You for Your advice E hemingway

Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing him/her self - Tolstoy

This is how the citizens need to think before change can come to the big D

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Originally Posted by detmsp

oh is that so? i wasn't aware that an over-abundance of volunteer organizations was the parasite slowly sucking detroit dry

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The problem is that there is limited funding for this type of work and donation dollars end up being spread too thinly for all the organizations to be effective. That's why, especially with today's economy, organizations are trying to find ways to work together and use funding as efficiently as possible.

A couple things you may want to change if you want to be taken seriously.

1. Change your myspace location to Detroit. If you do still live in Westland, then don't even try to help us out here because the last I checked we know what is right for our city.

2. Learn how to use spell check.

3. Take many of the other peoples advice on the thread and collaborate rather than start a new.

To izzyindetroit
It's my city too and clearly you don’t know what is right for Detroit, if everyone knows what right Detroit would not be in the mess that it is in.
And for your other two points read what I’ve already wrote and stop being ignorant

Maybe I should rephrase myself.

Get a clue.

Now that you've had a taste of the response you're likely to receive from like-minded pro-Detroiters, imagine what the opposition will be like.

Good Luck! You'll need it!

Does anyone know how the ignore function works?

Those are some of the dumbest ideas I've ever heard.

This must be a prank. Nobody can be this ridiculous.

Okay whoa there, hold your horses for a second. First off try some respect for your fellow forum members here. Okay now that we done that.

Take a serious look at working for other organizations first before starting your own. I too have big ideas for the future and I want Detroit to be apart of them, but I am doing this by working for and with already established groups to create face to face name recognition and contacts which will be priceless. Approach all work with caution any attempt even the best meaning attempt will be viewed in a negative light until you prove results. Also don't over promise, everyone in Detroit is use to being lied to and promised more than they ever get. So if you are going to do one thing, explain exactly what you are going to do, how, why, and why they should help you. Even that won't deflect skepticism and prevent you from criticism.

Second take the time to academically read up on Detroit, there are so many plans for the city that have been cycled over and over. So find out about them first and use them as a base point to further improve your ideas. You don't need to reinvent the wheel.

Third don't try to fight the nature of a place, Detroit always has and always will be gritty it doesn't need to be cleaned up and turned into the suburbs. It will always have things that may not be considered beautiful under normal circumstances. Graffiti is as old as humans and you won't stop it, so encourage it in a positive way. Creative thinking will provide simple solutions to complex problems.

Your plan is a lot of duplication. Did you know there are over 500 block clubs in the city of Detroit. Many neighborhoods have crime watches, and all DPD districts have public meetings to discuss safety. Neighborhood watch programs never went away.

There are far more than 12,000 abandoned structures in Detroit. Once again creative solutions. Why do they need to be demolished completely. Can you use them as other things. Can an industry of architecture salvage and construction materials be developed to prevent demolition from have a negative environmental impact?

Homes that need repair are owned by people from inside and outside of the city. There are many slum lords but Detroit is a city with a large poor population that can't afford some repairs, and conditions may have outside factors, such as a neighborhood with a high water table that can cause massive wood rot in a timber home.

There is not and will not likely be a high demand for new "housing projects" in Detroit for a long time. Note the "12,000" abandoned homes.

You cannot force people into drug tests to live in a city. It would be unconstitutional. And in all reality drug abuse as a problem is not likely to ever be solved. A much better approach would be rehab and detox options for addicts.

Ladies of the night are also as old as graffiti. You will not eradicate prostitution. Make it legal and provide resources to improve the safety for those who choose to work in trade.

I think if you really want to work on making a visible change join the movement to create a city council by districts. Also if this a passion of your look into getting a degree in Community Development which can help you build contacts and respect.

Michael, I applaud your energy. Now take some friendly advice from an old lady:

Don't try to re-invent the wheel. Check out the various organizations and join one or two of them. Find out which of the organizations are closest to your heart and stay with them. Later, after you've had a chance to learn the ropes, find your niche and give it your all.

*hugs*

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It's my city too and clearly you don’t know what is right for Detroit, if everyone knows what right Detroit would not be in the mess that it is in.

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I don't feel so bad for being a slight dick to you now. You ARE one of those people who come in and try to fix everything, when frankly, some of us have invested a lot of time and money and have worked with our neighbors [[city dwelling and suburban) to make things better.

It's not like one organization or one person is going to right this ship, which I would argue, has been slowly getting back on keel for awhile now. Even in neighborhoods I see marked progress. And it's all about progress in a situation like this.

It took a long time to fuck things up, and it's going to take a long time to fix them. Try picking up a place, or starting a business, and paying taxes and making some friends before you come tell us what to do. I love how so many think this city is some kind of science experiment, all knowing everything that we need for us. This city is people, not some urban planning textbook case study. We are men, we are women, we are children, we are families, we are people; not some goddamn theory or something that needs to be "saved."

Detroit will never be what it was. Detroit will never be Chicago or New York and nor should it. Stop living in the past, which you actually know nothing about.

It is what it is; it's future does look bright; but we cannot turn back the hands of time; 1 million people will not move back into the city any time soon. Those of us who are here every day, either working or living or playing or both, we know this and we're trying to make the best of what we can.

....well at least CFAB doesn't mention beginning his plans for Detroit by starting out with a Beer Hall Putsch.

Two other things CFABDETROIT.

Do a lot more listening than telling. Nobody likes a newbie coming in and ordering them around no matter how effed up the situation is at the time. This is a pretty good rule for just about everything when you're in your teens and 20s. The closer you follow it the more grief you will save yourself.

Grow a thick skin. You'll need it around here.

One of the biggest problems of Detroit...eating it's young. Just keep knocking down those with a drive to do better. No wonder the city isin the shape it is in. Detroiters either kill each other or kill the drive to succeed.. Either way it has promoted it's failure to the fullest...go figure.

CFAB,

Have you considered an enrollment in City Year? Although it's not the most entirely comprehensive program, it's great exposure and offers a unique insight in non profit work.


Hear hear, GOAT.

Dear CFAB,

If you can't take the heat, by all means, stay out of the kitchen.

Echoing the 'advice' already given by many on this forum, don't be rude to those with more experience than you.

If you want to be taken seriously, you must not belittle the people who can help you the most.

Now let's all try to play nice, shall we?

If we want to save Detroit, we need to put away the segregation ,corruption and the race cards between our leaders and the suburbanites. Start cleaning up your ghettohoods, tear down abandon homes and buildings and fix up vacant houses buildings. Come up with some proposals to lure regionalization and corporate businesses to Downtown Detroit. Teach our Detroit children not to exploit themselves to gangs, crime and drugs and get them to school so that they could graduate, go to college and get a REAL fulfilling career. If we Detroiters and suburbanites can fix these everyday urban and ethic problems, then Detroit will be saved.


WORD FROM THE STREET PROPHET!

It's a simple concept. Wake up and smell reality!

And once you wake up and smell reality, you'll know what it's cookin'... son.

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Originally Posted by izzyindetroit

If you do still live in Westland, then don't even try to help us out here because the last I checked we know what is right for our city.

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It's good to know this kid doesn't meet your standards for somebody who is allowed to care about the city.

Bravo to the more mature posters on this forum who chose to give this guy some direction.

Okay somehow I offended some of the fellow forum members when I said "if everyone knows what right Detroit would not be in the mess that it is in."
I'm not talking about everyone in Detroit. I'm talking about the people in the mayor's office over several administrations let this happen, the people who commit crime and the people who just don't care about the city in which they live.

CFABDETROIT,

Please take the advice that others have given you to join an already established program, perhaps even finding a mentor in one of those programs, so you can get some experience working with the community, business leaders and political leaders under your belt. You will accomplish nothing without this. At least investigate what has been done before and make sure you understand what worked and what didn't and in each case, "Why?"

You especially need a good mentor. That person would have told you not to publish anything with the [[absolutely horrendous) spelling and grammatical errors that your site has. And, if you think that criticism is only cosmetic, the mentor would have also told you to make sure your facts were correct. Your mentor would also likely have told you to be careful about thinking that your ideas are so new and unique that no one else ever thought those things before. Your mentor might also tell you to avoid indicting others that you believe failed in the past, and let your ideas stand or fall on their own merit.

Someone already suggested you start with one idea and then grow from there. [[By the way - your one block at a time idea - do you realize the City has over 20,000 blocks?) We can't take 20,000 months or weeks or even days to clean up Detroit. However, there have been several initiatives that broke the City up by districts, one even by square miles, and assigned groups to work on issues within those districts. The concept is nothing new. Find out what worked and what didn't before proposing something "new". People like to know that you have done some homework before you start telling them you have a plan that will work where no one else's plan would.

Maybe your site can be changed to report what positive things you have accomplished working with other groups and soliciting volunteers to help those groups as well. Then, when you really know what you are doing, you can branch out on your own and start your own coalition[[s). For me, this is not an issue of how old you are, but how prepared you are.

Okay I’ve taken the constructive criticism and updated my site and the plan. But for those of you who try and will try to discourage Me You are wasting your time.
I ignore the ignorant and learn from the wise. And you can quote me on that!

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Originally Posted by CFABDETROIT

I ignore the ignorant and learn from the wise.

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Perhaps there is something of value in learning from both.

And the temperature continues to rise . . .

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Originally Posted by Maxine1958

And the temperature continues to rise . . .

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How is that?

"The CFABD will have different units.
Housing- 1. Takes care of seeing that abandoned houses gets either demolished or made back into a livable home. 2. Sees over the new building projects. 3. Makes sure Detroit homes that are being lived in are suitable for people [[if not we fix them)and go after the owner [[if house is a rental) 4. Seeing that Detroit's historic houses are restored"

CFABD has no right to be doing any of these things. You can advocate that abandoned homes get demolished, but really it's just not that simple. How do you define abandoned? Is that merely an empty house? Or do you mean abandoned homes that are stripped and severly blighted? What conditions are there are sturcutral stability. A shell can be perfect structurally but look very blighted does that warrent demolition?

What do you mean by sees over new building projects?

You don't have the right to check the suitiblity or safety of anyones home. You can once again advocate safe housing, and petition Detroits safety and engeneering department to check on structures but that is about it. You can try to help those whose homes need repair. But both of these things cost large amounts of money. So there needs to be a sustainable investment plan. Also the know how of volunteers and staff is critical. Mistakes can be easily made by those not trained in architecture, building, and construction. There is also the shear number of codes for building that the novice will just not know.

Go back and once again look at what others are doing. And find tasks that you can show success and progress with, and slowly build up to more lofty goals.

Again, this is a new thing... Just starting out. We will be getting people in these fields.

For Christ sakes, give this kid some credit and get off his ass. Next...

Okay I'll pass. I was merely doing what you asked me. To give feedback on your ideas. I am using my own experience to try and make yours better, but evidently you don't want that. You want a pat on the back and a great job for being a motivated young person. Well guess what you aren't the only one. I am no older than you we are the same age, and I too am trying to make a difference in Detroit, but I am not treating other people like crap and trying to do way more than I could ever do. I gave you the benefit of the doubt with my first post, but I am done. If I may make one last suggestion actually go back and read my posts and get your plan together and then come back. I am not going to humor this crap anymore because its obvious you don't want a real critique of your ideas. So please grow up and act like a 21 year old.

Saving Detroit starts with Bankruptcy, a city manager and the dismissal of the city council [[yikes, time to find a real job).

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Originally Posted by CFABDETROIT

How is that?

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You claim you want constructive criticism and helpful comments and information, but you bark at anyone and everyone who gives it.

Smart people imitate before they innovate. I'm confused why you don't just volunteer for one of the existing organisations and try to make them that much better by having you. Your disposition by not being a leader while you work for someone else will help make you a great leader one day.

or better yet...

You could head down to Orchid Thai and think over a few fortune cookies.

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Originally Posted by Maxine1958

You claim you want constructive criticism and helpful comments and information, but you bark at anyone and everyone who gives it.

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I'm not barking at people for giving me good constructive criticism, I'm barking at people who try to down me by calling names and think they know me.
And I do plan on doing my own volunteer work this summer and never said I would not, I'm hyped up to do it actually.

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Originally Posted by CFABDETROIT

And I do plan on doing my own volunteer work...I'm hyped up to do it actually.

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Good come join me tomorrow on Belle Ilse to give it a quick clean up.

I'd love to but I have work tomorrow, not making excuses but I have bills like everyone else. Thats why I'm doing it this summer.

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Originally Posted by CFABDETROIT

I'd love to but I have work tomorrow, not making excuses but I have bills like everyone else. Thats why I'm doing it this summer.

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A summer project. How quaint.

The above people are spot on in their observations, CFAB. Join an existing group that matches the ideas that you have, then suggest they do some of them.