Awakening the Power of Salem and Keizer’s Families and Neighborhoods
Written by Tim Buckley, August 2025
Six times each year, CBEL invites people to a free breakfast where they learn and discuss important topics pertaining to healthy families and neighborhoods. Each time, after listening to a presentation, small groups discuss their own life experiences through that lens.
Most often, people attending say they loved the interaction with people who come from different walks of life. Some say they would enjoy more time in small groups. So, the next Collaborative September 4th, will do just that.
“The topic is: Awakening the Power of Salem and Keizer’s Families and Neighborhoods,” according to Ashley Russell, Assistant Director of CBEL. “We’ll explore what our city could become if we fully unlocked the power of our neighborhoods, become places where families thrive, opportunities multiply, and relationships form the foundation of health, prosperity, and belonging.”
After an introduction and time to enjoy the free breakfast around small tables, each group of 4 will begin to explore the first topic, Neighborhood & Safety. A mix of people from diverse backgrounds and personal strengths will be at each table. We’ll share ideas on what makes a neighborhood feel safe, and how we can work together to ensure that every child grows up in such a neighborhood. Participants are encouraged to share short personal stories to illustrate a point, rather than just one’s opinion.
Two additional rounds of sharing will then take place. Between each round, 2 attendees from each table will be encouraged to move to another table, so as to maximize the social interaction and better spread ideas.
The second topic (Round 2), Housing & Stability, will feature the question: How does housing security strengthen families and what community actions can help?
The final topic (Round 3) will discuss Partnership for Education, through the question: What does it look like when parents, teachers, and the wider community truly support one another so children succeed in school?
After those topics are discussed at small tables, the whole group will “harvest” ideas that arose. “We’ll record key insights, patterns and big ideas,” Ashley said. “This type of gathering tends to create a richer tapestry for a shared vision. The picture for how to create resilient neighborhoods and high-functioning schools will be shared widely throughout the community.”