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L to R: Group X Participants Trisha
Kempkes, Peter Herman, Bill Hoffman and Julann Jatczak,
Womens Business Initiative |
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| Jeannetta
Robinson (front, center), Career Youth Development |
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New middle school at the United Community
Center |
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Group X Participants Tom Schwartz,
Margaret Bau, and Historian John Gurda. |
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Group X Participant Margaret Bau & former
Milwaukee School Superintendent, Spence Korté. |
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Group X (2002 - 2004)
Understanding Urban Life Seminar, Nov 12-15, 2002.
On November 12-15, 2002, Group X participants visited Milwaukee
for the Urban Life Seminar, chaired by José Vásquez,
Southeast District Director, University of Wisconsin Extension. The
seminar objective was to show participants the different challenges/problems
facing urban communities and identify emerging solutions. People
have similar abilities, needs and aspirations wherever they live
or work…their constraints are just different. Participants
also had a chance to explore the urban/rural connection so they could
apply some of these ideas in their own community.
The seminar began with former Milwaukee Mayor, Frank Zeidler, addressing
the group about his vision of urban life. Next they met with representatives
from the Womens Business Initiative where they shared how they assist
women entrepreneurs achieve economic success. Participants enjoyed
their visit with Jeannetta Robinson, Executive Director of Career
Youth Development, an African American organization serving the inner
city community through a variety of social service and educational
programs. Participants toured the United Community Center, dedicated
to serving Hispanics and residents of Milwaukee's near south side
with educational, health and human service programs.
Various other issues were explored including public and private
housing in the city. Historian, John Gurda, shared his knowledge
of how Milwaukee became such a diverse city by exploring the south
side of Milwaukee via bus and touring the Basilica of St. Josaphat.
The seminar continued with a visit to the REACH Youth Center. This
Center provides youth living in high poverty areas with more opportunities
to become successful by reconnecting with school, work and careers.
This is a national pilot project. Next, former Milwaukee School Superintendent,
Spence Korté, discussed the complexities of being a superintendent
in a large city public school system and how leadership can be exercised
in large complex organizations. Lastly, Lee Halloway, Chairman of
the Milwaukee County Board talked about how Milwaukee County government
has undergone such a tremendous change within a short span of time
and the implications for the future of Milwaukee County.
"I have to say that I came away from Milwaukee with a renewed
vision of community and of dedication to a purpose. Be it the helping
hand offered by the Womens Business Initiative or the monumental
efforts of the United Community Center, I really was impressed
with the networking that must take place to be successful." Jane
Mueller, Group X Participant
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