Jefferson High School Centennial
Harold Two October 13th, 2009
The Diversity Institute and CH2A & Associates, Inc. present video highlights from I Went 2 Jeff: The Jefferson High School Centennial Celebration.
Archive for the tag 'Community'
Communication-Community-Connection Project and Report (2006-2007)
Harold Two June 30th, 2009
CH2A made over 500 contacts within the community, had over 80 face-to-face interviews with a variety of homeowners, business owners, community leaders and recipients of PDC’s resources, and held a number of community events and meetings. Interviewees also included developers of small businesses who had received PDC services, labor unions, neighborhood groups, and contractors.
After December 6, 2006, CH2A’s focus moved toward small businesses as a whole, instead of solely on African-American owned businesses. CH2A eventually reached out to all communities, but initially focused on the African-American community because of its experience in communications and its historical knowledge of that community.
In their report, CH2A gives a historical overview of PDC as it pertained to the African-American community, who overall had a negative perception of PDC’s image. They listed many of the issues, and concerns of the community, and also found that many of those disenfranchised shared similar issues with those who had received funding and/or other resources from PDC. The issues that were apparent boiled down to lack of access, lack of communication, and lack of accountability on PDC’s behalf. After CH2A diagnosed the problem and gave recommendations to rectify the issues, The Diversity Institute was able to step in and continue to provide the necessary technical services.
Jazz on the Mississippi in the media
Harold Two September 10th, 2008
Jazz on the Mississippi event noted in The Portland Observer, 9/10/2008.
The Portland Observer Reports on New Partnership with Jefferson HS
Harold Two August 9th, 2008
A non-profit organization run by a prominent local African-American family and two giant institutions in education and government have entered into a unique partnership to provide mentoring, career and education opportunities to students at Jefferson High School.
The collaboration involves the Portland Development Commission, Portland Community College and the Diversity Institute, an organization charged with promoting diversity, education and bridging the gab between the disfranchised and enfranchised in north and northeast Portland.
The institute is headed by Harold Williams Sr. and his son Harold Williams Two. The senior Williams brings prestige to the effort as a long time community advocate, business owner and member of the Portland Community College Board of Directors. Williams Two is also an executive with his father at CH2A & Associates and the Diversity Institute who has worked in the field of child development and social work.
Beginning this fall, the pilot program will provide mentoring, career mapping and tracking help, internships and other exposure to career and educational opportunities for Jefferson High School students, with special emphasis on the school’s Young Men’s Academy.
It expands on Jefferson partnerships that already exist with PCC and its Cascade Campus, across Killingsworth Street from the high school.
PCC will help students with coursework and build school credits, giving them added college exposure, career counseling, and tutoring, both during and after school hours. The PDC will provide internships and job shadowing for the Jefferson kids, along with mentoring in a variety of careers and trades, summer jobs with other partners and business exposure.
Jefferson Principal Cynthia Harris said the next step is for the backers to establish timelines, roles, and responsibilities, with training and implementation to follow.
“The mentoring piece is very important and it augments partnerships we already have in place,” Harris said.
Williams Two said the purpose of the collaboration is to provide a 21st Century Educational Model to Jefferson students that coordinates and collaborates with local schools, government agencies, unions, private entities, social agencies and community colleges and universities.
“We all share the understanding and know the importance of public involvement and giving back to youth in our community,” he said. “We believe strongly in the five keys of success: Access, accountability, communication, education and relationship building.”
“The key to changing the world is that you must be willing to change your mind,” he said.
The article was accompanied by a photograh with this caption:
Local business owner and community advocate Harold Williams Sr. (from left); Damon Hickok and Algie Gatewood of Portland Community College; Jefferson Principal Cynthia Harris; John Jackley of the Portland Development Commission; and Harold Williams Jr. usher in a new partnership to give career and educational opportunities to students at Jefferson High School.
As reported in The Portland Observer, August 6, 2008
PDC Community Work Project
Harold Two January 21st, 2008
CH2A’s most recent project involving our array of services was the 2006-2007 Community Work Project and Report prepared for the Portland Development Commission. CH2A made over 500 contacts, had over 80 face-to-face interviews and held several community events and meetings. The interviewees included developers, small businesses that received PDC services, labor unions, neighborhood groups and contractors.
At the December 6, 2006, PDC Board of Commissioners meeting, CH2A helped present the annual Diversity Report. With John Jackley and Dr. Garfield DeBarteleban, we announced a number of significant policy changes and presented a strategic shift in attitudes and relations within the minority community. Our research assisted PDC in the development of its Minority Contracting Initiative.
By holding a series of non-traditional community outreach meetings with faith-based and other organizations, CH2A opened doors for PDC that had previously been closed. We went to churches, coffee shops and other places of business to hold events that allowed PDC representatives to meet the public face-to-face. We participated in developing the construction wage policy through our grassroots work and in policy suggestions.
The Take Over
Harold Two September 23rd, 2007
SQUAD and MODE700 sponsored “The Take Over” Official Launch Party on Friday, September 21, 2007. The event featured a social business presentation and performances by Twin Life, The Urban Arts Dance Company and Harold C. Williams Two on the release of his book, Diary of a Man.
CH2A reports on PDC community connections
Harold Two September 13th, 2007
Portland Development Commission receives CH2A & Associates report on community connections and communication. PDC engaged the services of CH2A to help improve the agency’s approach to communication with Portland’s diverse communities, particularly those to whom PDC had not traditionally reached out.
Trustee Quarterly Spotlight on Williams Sr.
Harold Two January 15th, 2006
Harold Williams Sr. is spotlighted in Trustee Quarterly, Winter 2006. The article, “Foot Soldiers,” highlights Williams’ community involvement and advocacy for the youth and disadvantaged. Much reference is made to his “foot soldiers” who help run the many programs associated with him.
He considers himself merely the conduit that makes the connections and keeps the process moving. The beauty of programs like his, he says, is that the youth who receive love and caring today become the next generation of “foot soldiers.”