CPHA has confirmed five classes you can choose to take at our upcoming Activate Your Inner Citizen: University on September 15th. These classes are:
Grants 101: Finding & Writing Small Grants for Your Community or Organization
Every community association needs funds to accomplish certain projects, from community celebrations to neighborhood cleanups, and from newsletter printing to rate abatement. Learn the basic vocabulary and best practices for approaching funders, writing small grants and managing the money you receive.
- Presented by Abby Cocke of the Baltimore City Office of Sustainability
Being Legit: Forming & Maintaining a Community Association
What are bylaws and articles of incorporation, and why do we need them? What does it mean to be a 501(c)(3)? This session gives an overview of proper legal formation and upkeep of a community association. Attendees will learn valuable tips on setting up and maintaining nonprofit status with the State and Federal government.
- Presented by Robin Jacobs, Esq. of the Community Law Center
Drugs & Alcohol: Using the Law to Address Nuisance Liquor Establishments and Properties Engaged in Distributing Illegal Drugs
Do you have liquor establishments in your community that are the source of crime and violence? Are there houses in your neighborhood that are sources of drug distribution? Your community association may be able to protest these problematic liquor licenses and file a court action against the owners of properties engaged in the drug trade. Learn how.
- Presented by Susan Hughes, Esq. of the Community Law Center
Overwhelmed? Engage & Manage Volunteers!
As you lead a group of neighbors in alley cleanups and newsletter distribution, you are managing a group of unpaid volunteers. These individuals can bring your community project from 0 to 60, with the help of some key strategies for getting folks excited and maintaining their interest in their work in the community. Learn these strategies for giving your volunteers the attention they need so that you can accomplish more.
- Presented by Maureen Eccleston of Volunteer Maryland
High Grass? Houses Falling Apart? Using Code Enforcement for Neighborhood Improvement
We all have a responsibility to keep our land and property maintained, yet many lots and buildings are abandoned, or poorly maintained. For egregious offenses, such as criminal activity, illegal dumping, hazardous vacant homes, high grass and other situations, targeted housing code enforcement can be a useful tool to address these problems. Also learn about how the Community Bill of Rights empowers community associations to bring a code enforcement lawsuit against the owner of nuisance properties.
- Presented by Peter Duvall of Greater Homewood Community Corporation and Robin Jacobs, Esq. of the Community Law Center
Our Activate Your Inner Citizen: University will be held on Saturday, September 15th from 9am-1:30pm at the Old Engineering Building at Morgan State University. Registration and much more information on the event is here. We look forward to seeing you there!
