1. Street of Dreams Rebuilding Flint’s Foundation for the 21 st Century
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5. 21 st Century Skills and Tools 3D Modeling Social networks Multi-media databases We propose to train teams of young people and equip them with 21 st century tools that will help people visualize success
I am here in Flint, for a single reason, the same reason I am in your office today…I believe that our neighborhoods are the key in transforming our city, our state and ultimately the planet. I believe that the health of our local communities is not only vital to our economic recovery, they are actually the major component in achieving and maintaining a sustainable recovery as we move from an industrial base to one based on information.
What we are sharing today addresses 6 of your top ten priorities for Flint this year and they are all linked to neighborhood development but not in the any traditional way. We have created a new process, designed to help neighborhoods become healthier. We have a plan that brings into the neighborhoods a new type of information system. One that encourages communication, enables coordination, creates jobs, promotes conservation and re-connects young people with their community.
Here is the problem, we have the pieces to bridge the gap but too many people can’t see it because their vision is blocked. They can’t see through the ugly reality they face, nor should we expect them to. We need to work collectively, we need to work cooperatively and to do that we must have a clear line of sight towards where we have to go.
We intent to train teams of young people to be solutionists. A solutionist is someone who ‘s trained and equipped to see solutions. Using 21 st century tools these teams will help people visualize what success looks like and then equip them to achieve it. What we are describing has been done before…in pieces. creating 3d models, building social networks and information system, using media to convey ideas…these are not new , but what we are presenting to you is the opportunity to harness these tools in a unique and comprehensive way, put them in the hands of young people and give them the task of helping their neighborhood transform itself.
Our training consists of two levels: a student/work opportunity in which the potential team member is not paid but given exposure to a variety of work experiences and training . Once the student has show aptitude, they are put on a team, given an assignment and paid for their work. Daily practice in the fundamentals of math and reading are mandatory, as well as proficiency in a use of a variety of digital tools. All training is web-based and remotely monitored. On site adult supervision is provided.
Both the training and work take place in a Neighborhood Resource Center. This is an existing functioning building within the neighborhood. This location would also serve as a meeting place for the community and would evolve into a staging area for community development projects. Efforts will be made to “green” the building with a primary focus on lowering energy costs.
The first project would be the creation of neighborhood information models. The NIM would be a compilation of databases and 3d models. Every neighborhood would have a 3D model built that would allow for “what if “ scenarios. They would be interconnected and linked to Google Earth and the Land Bank and potentially accessible from anywhere on the planet. This project would work in coordination with your existing neighborhood planning. It would also allow interested parties who still have ties to their old neighborhood, to interact with the plan as well. This could create an enormously positive collaborative effort.
Initial seed funding is needed to prime the pump, but it is expected that this project will become self-supporting, with teams creating value both for their neighborhoods and various government and business entities. The ability to create Neighborhood Information Models should be a valuable asset both here and in other cities. We also believe that there is significant potential in green tech as the Neighborhood Resources Centers are converted
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