Our Neighborhood Works (ONW) is a Northside organization that continues to live up to its name and its purpose: "to preserve and develop historic, natural and community resources."
"ONW was created to provide the practical assistance it sometimes takes to transform a creative idea into a real project that benefits the Northside," said John Christensen, board chair.
As such, ONW, a 501(c)3 not-for-profit corporation, has acted as a fiscal agent for some well-known Northside projects and groups including the Holiday on 44th festival, the North Side Smoke-free Homes Project, the Camden Music School Scholarship Fund and the Workhouse Theatre Company.
Smaller projects also benefit from ONW's presence in the neighborhood. For example, this past fall a Northside neighbor, Steffanie Musich, boldly took up the Minnesota Energy Challenge. Her goal: to work with neighbors to replace traditional outdoor light switches that are often left on 24/7, with solar-controlled switches that turn off during daylight hours, preserving safety and saving energy. In order to receive the "Minneapolis Mobilizing Citizens for Grassroots Climate Change" micro-grant from the City, Steffanie needed a fiscal agent. She applied to ONW, and the organization agreed to serve in that capacity. The grant was awarded and the project was completed. Congratulations to Steffanie for a job well done and to her neighbors who worked with her to create a safer, greener community.
If you saw, or better yet purchased, a Camden History Calendar last year, you should know that ONW is the fiscal agent for the Camden Community Historical Society. If you've been at Papa's Restaurant and Deli recently, you may have noticed the new art-installation system in the deli, funded through ONW. Other past ONW-sponsored projects include the "Voices of Our Heritage Festival," Latin American community education workshops, public arts events, a grant writing workshop and support to the Camden Garden Club.
Next up for ONW: the design and reinstallation of their website. In addition to the usual organizational information, it's hoped that the new site will be a springboard for new ideas and ways for people to work with ONW. Watch for more information to come.
It's been said that it takes each of us to make a difference for all of us. Just a year and a half ago, ONW was teetering on dissolution, but several neighbors heard the plea and joined the board. Thanks to the new and "old" board members, ONW continues its work with a new sense of purpose. But it took some stepping up on the part of some good citizens who are committed to the Northside. ONW, and many other worthy organizations, need you to step up, too. Check out opportunities in this Camden News, ask a friend or librarian for ideas, or do some research online. One way to begin: google "Volunteer Opportunities North Minneapolis" and see how your steps, no matter how small, can help us all.