Neighborhood College grads learn about unity

Elizabeth Dutton

Thursday, Oct. 30, 1997 | 11:19 a.m.

A graduation ceremony was held Wednesday for 22 citizens who completed the first session of the Clark County Neighborhood College.

The 10-week program, initiated July 1 by the County Commission, is an opportunity for people of many different nationalities and communities to learn to make a difference in their neighborhoods.

The graduates chose a class representative to express their experiences in an address at the graduation. Selected was Michael Lloyd, who learned about the program from a co-worker at the Center for Independent Living. He said that of his many concerns, homelessness is paramount. His speech stressed the importance of the classes on a greater level.

"When all people are united in a common cause, change is the byproduct," Lloyd said.

While referring to the Million Man March, the Promise Keepers, and the recent Million Woman March, Lloyd said that the issues those groups addressed are not solely directed at narrow slices of the population.

"They should be the concerns of us all," he said.

Among the graduates, who ranged in age from teens to retirees, was a special honoree. After accompanying owner Jean Dayton to all of the classes, Lander the guide dog received a diploma and a loud round of applause to go along with whatever information the canine may have gleaned from its perfect attendance record.

Graduate Dennis Ardine used the the knowledge he gained from the classes to start a nonprofit spinal cord injury support group, Renewed Hope Inc. Ardine said that he joined the program because he wanted to make changes in the community and was pleased at how close knit the group had become. When asked to name the most important thing he learned in the classes, Ardine was quick with an answer.

"The only way to solve things is unity," he said. "Unity can solve anything."

On hand for the ceremony were Commissioners Myrna Williams, Lance Malone, and Yvonne Atkinson Gates. All of them praised the students for their patience and commitment. Malone encouraged the graduates to act as intermediaries between their communities and the County Commission.

"It's about you helping us making the decisions about the districts where you live," said Malone.

Atkinson Gates told the group that the basis of the program is to knock down the barriers between government and citizens.

"Just because you've finished this class doesn't mean your job is over," she said. "Go out and do the kind of things you want done."

The classes will continue again in January, with recruitment starting Nov. 1. The college is designed to be a forum for change with classes that are intended to spur the creation of successful community action groups.

Each class begins with a testimonial from a community member who has successfully navigated the perils of government channels in order to make community efforts a reality. Local figures such as Louise Helton from Classroom on Wheels and Jocelyn Oats of the City Wide Gospel Workshop spoke at the classes and offered their insights.

Course topics such as "Resolving Neighborhood Issues" and "Leadership and Vision" served to assist the students in creating and pursuing various community issues. From media access to county and city codes to public speaking skills, the curriculum covered every angle necessary for effective community outreach.

The group wholly believes in their motto, attributed to anthropologist Margaret Mead, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful citizens can change the world: Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." Neighborhood Service Manager Jennifer Lances is optimistic about the program.

"It's been a wonderful experience for both staff and citizens," she said. "I look forward to doing it again in January."

For information on the Neighborhood College program, call Clark County Neighborhood Services at 455-3530.