Civic West Updates

AmeriCorps Member. Know someone who wants to serve?

We are delighted to share the big news that Civic West has been selected as a placement site for an AmeriCorps member through the Strengthen ND AmeriCorps Program.

What does that mean? We will have a program coordinator! We are seeking an individual from this area to serve on a part-time basis, 16-18 hours per week depending on start date, January through October 31, 2024, to help us build the capacity of Civic West.

They must be a high school graduate, but some college education is preferred, and undergo a background check. We are looking for someone who is highly organized with strong communication skills and a keen interest in civic engagement. In return they will earn a stipend and education allowance through this federal program, while serving their community. Hours are flexible, and another part-time job or enrollment in school is permitted.

If you know someone who might fill the bill, please pass their name on to us or share our contact information. Email us or encourage them to apply via Indeed.

Space Needs. Can you help?

We are looking for office space at no charge for our AmeriCorps member to have a West Fargo work location. Gravy on the top would be meeting space large enough for a committee and, extra gravy, large enough for workshops and forums.

Do you have some extra room in your office or business in West Fargo, gravy or no gravy? Know someone who does? Let us know!

Partner Updates. What topics interest you?

Our partners are amazing! Here’s an example: we are in talks with Humanities North Dakota and the Northern Plains Ethics Institute about in-person moderated community conversations in West Fargo on lively topics in a comfortable setting. (Bars and coffee shops, anyone?)

What would you like to talk about with your fellow West Fargoans? History of the Beatles? What makes a community? Perspectives on death and dying? What makes Taylor Swift? Is Alexa leaking your secrets? How did the Middle East get this way? Why would anyone be a vegan? (You get the picture. 📸 Tell us what sparks your curiosity. ✨ 🧐)

Livable Communities. Housing, walkability, and more!

Some of you have been part of our walkability audit, our middle housing forum sponsored by AARP at the Rustad Center, or a Livable West Fargo meeting. With support from West Fargo Mayor Bernie Dardis, we can now report that Civic West will be working with City of West Fargo staff on an application to AARP to join its Network of Livable Communities. Joining the Network will make West Fargo eligible for resources, from experts to research to grants, to make our community better for all ages.

Civic News. Who, what, when, where, why, and how?

We are looking for West Fargo residents with journalism in their veins to join our civic journalism project. We envision an advisory board of residents with journalism backgrounds who will set guidelines and train and mentor volunteers, and even do some writing and editing themselves. Eventually we hope to have on our website hub reports of meetings, feature stories and historical pieces, and an ongoing exchange of opinions, all from and about West Fargo. Let us know who might help (it might be you).