On Monday, February 27, from 5-8 p.m., the One Cranston Partnership invites city residents to a community “Speak Out” at Bain Middle School, 135 Gansett Avenue in Cranston, to inform and help guide the development of Cranston’s Working Cities Challenge Proposal. Established by the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, the Working Cities Challenge supports cities to develop strategies that build their economies and improve the lives of low income and minority residents. 

The One Cranston Partnership is working to identify strategies that increase “social cohesion” in the city. A socially cohesive community is one where residents work to improve the well-being of all community members, create a sense of belonging, and promote upward mobility.  The One Cranston Partnership plans to work with residents to increase civic engagement, strengthen education and employment outcomes over the next decade, particularly among the city’s growing low income and minority communities. The Partnership is also interested in advancing strategies that increase understanding of and promote the city’s many community assets and cultural traditions.

Studies indicate that communities with high levels of social cohesion and civic engagement are more likely to achieve positive outcomes in important areas including student success, public safety, and economic mobility and growth.

“I urge all Cranston residents to come to the community ‘Speak Out’ to share their ideas about how we can work collectively to strengthen our neighborhoods, support our youth and create employment opportunities,” said Cranston Mayor Allan W. Fung. “Cranston is a diverse community and it’s vital that we hear from residents across the entire city.”

Cranston residents who are interested in improving their city and strengthening their neighborhoods are encouraged to attend the SpeakOut.  Participants should arrive anytime between 5 and 8 p.m. and expect to spend at least 30 minutes socializing and sharing ideas. Spanish and Khmer language interpreters will be available and snacks will be provided. Children are welcome to attend with their parents and will be able to participate in youth focused activities offered during the event. 

Residents interested in getting involved with the One Cranston initiative, but unable to attend, are encouraged to complete the five-minute One Cranston Survey, which can be accessed in both English and Spanish languages at www.surveymonkey.com/r/OneCranston.