Congress of Neighborhoods
November 1, 2003 - at the Los Angeles Convention Center
Information

October 9, 2003

Info on Congress of Neighborhoods
November 1st, LA Convention Center

This Congress features the launching of the Empowerment Academy along with a keynote address by the Mayor of Los Angeles, caucuses, hospitality suites, instructor-led classes, and department sponsored events. We are anxiously looking forward to the participation of all who contribute to the City of Los Angeles. To that end, provided below is a description of the different aspects of the Congress:

7:30 am - 9:30 am - Registration/Breakfast/Networking
On site registration and breakfast will begin at 7:30 am.

8:30 am - 9:30 am - Caucuses
Caucus rooms are a place where Neighborhood Council leaders can network and discuss common areas of interest.

8:30 am - 1:00 pm - City Department Booths
Department staff will be available to provide information and answer questions.

9:30 am - 10:30 am - Opening Session, Mayor James K. Hahn
Mayor Hahn will give the key note address to Congress participants and will be followed by a Roll Call of the Neighborhoods.

10:40 am - 1:00 pm - Empowerment Academy
Empowerment is a goal, a vision, and a destination. Empowerment is the belief that dreams are road maps to reality. Three years in development, the Empowerment Academy’s curriculum was designed to provide practical and concrete examples that Neighborhood Council leaders can easily implement in their own communities. Through specialized tracks and training components, the Empowerment Academy will address the needs of novice and experts alike. Courses that stress the fundamental aspects of community organizing will provide the rudimentary apparatus needed by every new leader. Likewise, advanced courses specializing in communication, community development, and finances will meet the needs for leaders looking to sharpen their skills.

The Empowerment Academy will be an on-going series of instructor-led courses similar to a college curriculum. The Academy will offer nine different training series with four to eight classes in each. The classes will be repeated throughout the year. The first of these classes will be offered at the Congress event on November 1st. The Empowerment Academy is the answer for Neighborhood Council leaders looking for the preparation to meet the challenges and overcome the obstacles they will be facing. It prepares leaders to say more than “I will.” It enables them to say, “I did.”

10:40 am - 1:00 pm - Additional Courses sponsored by City Department
Key City Departments will offer workshops addressing important issues facing local neighborhood leaders. Participants will have an opportunity to dialogue and ask questions of City Department staff.

12:00 noon - 2:00 pm - Hospitality Suites
Hospitality Suites are intended to bring people together to network and discuss a common topic as presented by the sponsoring agency. What follows is an in-depth description of the Empowerment Academy courses, City department sponsored courses, caucuses, and hospitality suites as well as the registration form.

Priority registration for Neighborhood Council Elected Board Members begins on October 10, 2003 and ends October 26, 2003.

Registration for the general public begins October 17, 2003 and ends October 26, 2003.

The following is a list of courses, caucuses and hospitality suites that will be offered at the Congress of Neighborhoods on November 1, 2003, at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

If you have any questions or concerns, please call 1 (866) LA HELPS (toll-free) and a staff member will assist you.