An Open Streets Family Reunion: Reflections from the 2018 Open Streets Summit

By Ryan O’Connor, Director of Programs, 8 80 Cities Recently 8 80 Cities wrote a blog post about open streets being a labour of love. That being the case, the 2018 Open Streets Summit in New Orleans felt like a family reunion of sorts. It was rejuvenating to see old and new friends who share our passion for open streets and are working tirelessly to create healthier, happier, and more connected communities across the world. The event, which took place on September 15-16, brought together more than 50 leaders who currently organize open streets programs or are interested in bringing the...

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Open Streets Summit Draft Agenda

We hope you are getting ready and feel excited about the Open Streets Summit in Gretna/New Orleans! Taking place from September 15-16, 2018, the Summit will feature tours, presentations and networking opportunities with open streets champions and organizers from across the continent. Attendees will learn about the nuts and bolts of starting or scaling up open streets programs, including: Route design and planning Partnerships with business and officials Social inclusion Safety and logistics Marketing and promotion Program evaluation through measurable goals and metrics If you haven’t done it yet, click here to register for the Open Streets Summit only or...

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Open Streets Summit Speakers Announced!

The Open Streets Project is proud to announce that Ed Solis from Viva Calle (San Jose, CA), Romel Pascual from CicLAvia (Los Angeles, CA), Jaymie Santiago and Charles Brown from New Brunswick Ciclovia will join us as speakers for the 2018 Open Streets Summit in New Orleans and Gretna! Taking place from September 15-16 2018, the Summit will feature: Behind the scenes tour of the City of Gretna’s inaugural open streets program. Workshops, presentations, and networking opportunities with open streets champions and organizers from across the continent. Training and inspiration for both -novice and experienced- open streets organizers and supporters...

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A Phoenix Group That Helps Nourish the Bodies and Hearts of LGBTQ+ Youth

One n ten, a Phoenix non-profit and LISC partner, serves a wide range of LGBTQ+ young people, many of them homeless, with food, hygiene supplies, resource navigation and a sympathetic ear. And during the darkest days of the pandemic, they helped clients understand that social distance doesn’t have to mean social isolation.

“Dark-Skin Representative”: Celebrating Juneteenth with Verse & Music

In celebration of Juneteenth, we are sharing a poem/performance by Ashley Rose, former LISC AmeriCorps member and an award-winning poet who is dedicated to using her art for racial healing.

In Praise of Juneteenth

On the eve of the 156th anniversary of the original Juneteenth, LISC EVP Denise Scott reflects on what this holiday means for Black Americans—and for the entire country—and how our national racial reckoning makes this commemoration more urgent, and promising, than ever.