Individual Stories are the Key to Social Change
Written by Tim Buckley, May 2023
“Sitting with other neighbors and having the means to make life easier and more meaningful for everybody is empowering and energizing. ”
When asked what changes she has noticed since becoming active in Hallman-Northgate Neighborhood events, 36-year-old Bianka Venegas said three things:
“I feel more energized, and my attitude is more positive.”
“My son is doing really well in school, and I think the Ready for Kindergarten activities we did regularly together at home really helped his confidence.”
“Northgate Park, and the entire neighborhood around it, feels safer because of all the activities there and our vigilance.”
Can we say for certain the Neighborhood Family Council’s work over the past three years has caused those changes? Can Bianka say for sure that her involvement in her son’s early education made a difference in his confidence at school? Well, while CBEL collects data that show how public safety and academic achievement have improved in recent years in the neighborhood, it’s important to note that public perception of such change creates a general attitude, a vibe that you can feel at events. There’s no doubt that the Hallman-Northgate neighborhood is displaying more civic engagement, hope, and “can do” spirit than three years ago.
The Hallman-Northgate and Kennedy Neighborhood Family Councils meet to plan their combined Fun Fridays for summer 2023.
While statistics are gathered to quantify trends that are being felt in the neighborhood, Bianka explained how she went from a stay-at-home mom to neighborhood leadership.
“It started with my wanting more of a social life,” she said. “I needed to get out of the house, meet some people my age and create community.”
Oregon-born Bianka said her first pregnancy as a teenager made her grow up quickly, finishing high school while being a mother. The high school was designed for young parents and included classes on financial management and parenting. She developed independence and self-sufficiency and has tried to guide her six children in that same direction. Her oldest children, both girls, are now in their late teens. “They are independent, have jobs and spotless credit, and make good life choices,” she said proudly.
Like many parents with young children, Bianka wanted more of a social life outside the home. “In my youth, I always lived in apartment buildings, where it seemed easy to know everybody,” she said. “Once we moved into our home in this neighborhood, I felt more isolated…I didn’t really know many of my neighbors for the first few years.”
The Fun Fridays events in Northgate Park provided the opportunity she was looking for, an event that allowed her time to meet neighbors while involving her kids at the same time. “It was so much fun for us all. There were games for the kids and food for everyone. The Salem Police were there too, so we got to meet some officers and get a sense of trust and security. Everyone who came was asked to sign an attendance sheet at the event. Afterwards, I got phone calls inviting me to other things,” BIanka said. “I was missing adult conversation and so I joined everything!” she laughed.
The Hallman-Northgate Fun Fridays were attended by over 400 Hallman-Northgate families throughout July 2022.
“At Community Cafes, I met other moms, and we shared stories and ideas for making life easier for ourselves and our families. We also became a network that kept an eye on the graffiti tagging activities and then arranged to get it painted over quickly. I even feel safe enough now to approach suspicious people and ask them if there’s something I can help them with.”
“The Ready for Kindergarten classes were conducted in Spanish. Parents got amazing support from Early Learning Hub teachers and each other. We learned to become teachers of our own younger kids, in fun and creative ways. To tell you the truth, my young son had so much fun in class that he kept reminding me to get the toys out of the car and into the house so we could keep playing! That’s what really started us on a routine of reading and learning together every day,” Bianka said. “By the time he got to Kindergarten, he knew a lot of what was being taught, so he soon got over his anxiety and became an active, advanced learner.”
The first time Bianka was asked to join the Hallman Neighborhood Family Council (NFC), she said no. “As a mother of six children (ages two to 19), I was busy enough,” Bianka thought. “But I was asked again a few months later and decided to try it out.” Now in her second year on the NFC, she said that participation has been a gift. “Sitting with other neighbors and having the means to make life easier and more meaningful for everybody is empowering and energizing. And the gratitude we get from those who enjoy events like our Winter Festival is heartwarming.”
“Participating has also reduced the fear we have in speaking up. The fear of being looked down on evaporates when you’re working side by side with people, becoming friends and not worrying about being judged.”
Finally, there are two things that give Bianka great pleasure about being part of the NFC. “First, our voices are being heard by people who hold a lot of power, elected officials, for example. After they come and meet with us, they remember who we are and what we want them to do for us. And, secondly, the fact that our children are getting involved as volunteers is so cool. They represent the next generation of leadership and we’re doing it together with them.”
“I’ll never forget the last Winter Festival event we had, when more than 500 people showed up – 150 families. My two oldest daughters asked how they could help, so I sent them to Costco to get the pizzas. They helped hand out meals and asked me later, ‘When can we do that again?’ because they had so much fun and got so much recognition for their help.”
“Seeing the next generation step up, with strength, confidence, and eagerness gives me such joy, and so much hope,” she said.