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2018 Conference Workshop Sessions


2018 Conference Cancelled Due to Hurricane Florence

In addition to providing conference attendees with thought-provoking speakers and exhibitors sharing ideas on how to improve one's neighborhood's quality of life, information packed workshops are also offered providing attendees with first-hand experiences, knowledge, ideas and tools from influential neighborhood advocates and professionals from across Virginia to help them meet the challenges and threats facing their neighborhoods today. The information gained will be invaluable toward helping attendees develop real life-changing solutions to the problems facing their neighborhoods and community. Workshops designed specifically for young people, ages 13 to 18 years old participating in the conference's Youth Cafe, are also offered to help them learn how they can make a difference in their own lives as well as in their own community.

Conference Workshops - Friday, September 14, 2018


Session I Workshop 9:45 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.

Town Hall

The State of Community Policing: Its Opportunities and Challenges

Police Chiefs from the cities of Portsmouth, Norfolk, Hampton, Newport News and Chesapeake will discuss the opportunities and challenges facing Community Policing today in our fast paced world of an ever-changing society and technology.



Session II Workshops 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.


Session II-A

Building a New Huntersville in Olde Huntersville - A Community on the Rise

Learn how the residents of Norfolk’s Olde Huntersville neighborhood are leading the way into turning their neighborhood into a Community on the Rise with the implementation of their strategic action plan and collaboration efforts with city departments and community-based organizations.

Session II-B

Re-up Bootcamp

Using the 3C’s - communication, culture and connection, this interactive workshop will build resilience and provide participants with the tools to become better equipped to handle anything in their neighborhoods, their workplaces, and their lives.

Session II-C

The American Dream: 40 Acres and a Mule; Reality or Truth?

This workshop will discuss the realities of gentrification and affordable housing and offer collaborative community solutions.

Session II-D

Success Through Communication

What’s my Leadership Style? This management development and leadership style training identifies leadership style and helps leaders improve performance and become effective leaders.



Session III Workshops 2:45 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.


Session III-A

Rent Ready Norfolk

Creating a new paradigm in the American Dream that could be applicable to all neighborhoods, Rent Ready Norfolk is a strategy that includes landlords, property managers, and renters of all socio-economic backgrounds in the conversation about obtaining a home that is safe, livable and part of the larger community.

Session III-B

Your Neighbors -Your Opportunity for Positive Change - ABCD in Action!

Learn how to focus your efforts on discovering, mobilizing, and building upon the assets already found in your neighborhood to mobilize individuals, associations, and institutions into coming together to build upon these assets rather than to concentrate on their needs.

Session III-C

Enhancing Your Media Skills

This interactive workshop will allow participants to gain the kills necessary to successfully interact with media engagement campaigns. Participants will learn best practices for story placement, social media strategies, and prepare for media interviews by enhancing their media interview skills.

Session III-D

Empowerment through Knowledge - 50 Years Later, Fair Housing Remains the Best Kept Secret

In this energetic and enthusiastic 90-minute workshop, participants will learn about the hot topics currently trending in a law that was designed to protect EVERYONE from discrimination when seeking housing because of your race, your color, your familial status (because you have children), your sex, your religion, your national origin, your handicap (physical or mental impairment), and in Virginia, if you are elderly (55 or older).




Conference Workshops - Saturday, September 15, 2018


Session IV Workshop 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. (Mobile & On-site)


SIV-A (Mobile)

Walking Tour of Olde Towne Portsmouth

This walking tour will be led by historian Greg Eatroff and will highlight the history and architecture of Olde Towne Portsmouth - boasting the largest collection of period homes between Charleston, SC and Alexandria, VA.

SIV-B (Mobile)

Portsmouth’s Economic Development Story

Join Portsmouth Economic Development on a narrated economic development tour highlighting Portsmouth’s success in economic, workforce, and infrastructure development as a catalyst to revitalize the City. The tour will include insight from Robert D. Moore, Director of Economic Development on what makes Portsmouth a thriving metropolis.

SIV-C (Mobile-YOUTH ONLY)

Portsmouth Sportsplex Facility

The Dept. of Parks, Recreation and Leisure Services will provide a tour of the Sportsplex facility including the weight room, gymnasium, multipurpose room, and boxing room. Youth will have the opportunity to try out the newly renovated recreation center by participating in group activities such as: pickleball, basketball, volleyball, table tennis, and more.

SIV-E (On-site)

Elder Abuse and Neglect - Spotting the Signs and Getting Help

This workshop will focus on how to spot the signs of elder abuse and neglect within families, friends, and others in your community. The facilitators will discuss the types of abuse, who is being abused, the signs of abuse, how to help, caregiver stress and the long-term effects of abuse.