Community Engagement Committee

 

CEC History and Purpose

The Community Engagement Committee (CEC) serves as an advisory committee to The Discovery Center (TDC). Formed in 2019 to build relationships and make connections between community members and staff at the newly opened TDC, the CEC's purpose has grown to raise awareness of the natural environment that has evolved at the reservoir over decades, identify potential future public programming, imagine ways in which education and recreation can be carried out with community and families and put the ideas into action. It continues to serve in partnership with staff to support the growth of the Center. Some events supported by the CEC include:

  • Organizing Juneteenth and other holiday events.

  • Brainstorming ideas to attract children, youth and families.

  • Expanding Discovery Days with programming and resources sharing from outside partners.

  • CEC members organize their own events to attract visitors.

The success of TDC relies on the collaborative work of the staff and organizations and the surrounding community.  CEC members are advocates, supporters and engaged partners that share with their networks and community connections the initiatives, programs and public events of TDC and program occupants, Audubon Mid-Atlantic and the Philadelphia Outward Bound School.  Members communicate and collaborate with TDC staff to provide feedback from the community and neighbors, identify public programming opportunities and support staff connection with members and organizations in the community to exchange ideas and extend outreach efforts.

CEC Member Benefits - Why Join?

Equally important is the satisfaction and enjoyment of being a part of a group of people who have common interests and connections, share common goals and spend time doing things together!

The CEC:

  • Offers opportunities to meet new people and connect neighbors and be a part of an advisory team.

  • Brings neighbors together for dialogue and discussion and share knowledge, voice and ideas about important community topics.

  • Offers opportunities to participate in team building activities with CEC and TDC, Audubon Mid-Atlantic and Philadelphia Outward Bound staff on the challenge course, in canoes on the reservoir or in the rock climbing room.

  • Provides opportunities to share ways in which visitation and spending time in the outdoors can increase and how TDC can be a space for individuals, families and friends to connect and meet community needs.

  • Provides space to exchange information about events hosted by members, their organizations, TDC and the broader community.

  • Gives members discounts for space use for events, meetings, etc.

  • Gives members opportunities to promote the organization and table at events.

In 2023, the CEC membership will:

  • Consist of 12 members with ties to the Strawberry Mansion, Brewerytown, and Sharswood neighborhoods in the 19121 and 19132 zip codes.

  • Be expected to participate in a minimum of 6 meetings per year.

  • Support at least 4 programs or events throughout the year.

  • Members must be 16 years or older and TDC is encouraging youth ages 16-25 to join.

  • Receive a $300 stipend as a recognition and thank you for serving on the advisory team.

For any questions, please email Kadafi at kelkardah@pobs.org.