Community Involvement Resources

[DetroitArmy]

I have a friend thinking about moving to the city. He's intrigued by what he's heard about the tight knit Detroit community and the ability to make a difference in a way that is likely impossible in many other large cities.

Any suggestions for high quality resources re: Detroit events and community activities? This might include, but is not limited to entertainment, festivals, artistic showcases, community service, community involvement, civic projects, neighborhood coalitions, etc. etc.

Basically ways to get information about options for getting involved in the social fabric of the many wonderful communities in Detroit. I've tried to provide him with some ideas but its also been my experience that many activities are organized through grassroots efforts and at times is only known by those already immersed in the scene on the ground level.

All suggestions are welcome and most appreciated.

Thanks all.

[swingline]

Tell your friend to look somewhere else. There are no functioning community groups or organizations left in Detroit. There is nothing to do.


Just kidding. A tiny fraction of the possibilities for what your friend is looking for might include:

1. DIA Founders Junior Council [[for 20-30 somethings) http://www.dia.org/fjc/
2. Capuchin Soup Kitchen
3. Youthville Detroit http://www.youthvilledetroit.org/
4. St. Albertus Historic Site http://www.myspace.com/stalbertusfest
5. Detroit City Futbol League http://detroitcityfutbol.com/
6. Motor City Blight Busters http://www.blightbusters.org/
7. Historic Fort Wayne Coalition http://www.historicfortwaynecoalitio...tionabout.html
8. Detroit Public Schools Reading Corps http://detroitk12.org/readingcorps/
9. Matrix Theater Company http://matrixtheatre.org/
10. Preservation Wayne http://www.preservationwayne.org/

[DetroitPole]

Depending on where he settles, he will likely be in the realm of an active neighborhood organization, especially since he is looking for a strong "community" feeling.

I live in East English Village and we have a very longstanding and very active neighborhood association - www.eastenglishvillage.org. Simply attending the meetings of any neighborhood group almost always entails volunteer opportunities.

I know Corktown has one, Morningside has one, pretty sure Green Acres has one, I think Woodbridge is just starting/restarting one. Countless others exist throughout the city.

I don't know of a comprehensive list but he can probably just google the name of the neighborhood he thinks he may want to settle in.