Senior Civic Engagement in Brooklyn Park

Abstract

This project was completed as part of the 2016-2017 Resilient Communities Project (rcp.umn.edu) partnership with the City of Brooklyn Park. Like many American cities, Brooklyn Park’s elderly community is growing. To help the city better meet the needs of this growing demographic, students in Jennifer Blevins’ Advanced Community Practice – Assessment, Organizing, and Advocacy class performed a review of twenty-six elderly action plans from cities across the country. The team also met with older residents within Brooklyn Park to ask the residents what they want in particular. The students found the residents wanted more volunteer and social opportunities, as well as increased communication between the city and the residents. The students’ final report and presentation are available.