Print
Category: Local News Releases Local News Releases
Published: 23 July 2015 23 July 2015

(Silver City, NM) On Thursday, July 30, It Takes a Village, a community nonprofit organization that works on projects that the community decides on, will be holding it's second "Great Conversation" on homelessness in Grant County. The event will take place at the Volunteer Center, 501 E 13th St, from 6pm-7:30pm. Jason Burke, Director of It Takes a Village says, "We are having a second conversation on homelessness in Grant County because dozens of people in the community have asked us to do so. People are still commenting on the issue through social media outlets as well as visiting the store to share ideas." The first meeting drew a crowd of around 50 people including a dozen homeless folks. Burke continues, "The first conversation was an overwhelming success, with a lot of ground being covered, and we now want the public to be able to discuss more specific projects that our organization can work on."

The organization also hopes that even more people in the community can come this time. Also, they are making a concerted effort to encourage law enforcement personnel, elected officials, representatives from the schools, and church officials to attend.

The "Great Conversation" is a forum where everyone has a voice, and every voice is heard - in a safe and respectful setting. Andra Olney-Larson, Vice President of It Takes a Village, adds, "In our time, the increasing need for collaborative dialogue is apparent. Gathering to consider the issues that affect us all, sharing our common concerns, and respectfully working through our differences, encourages a strong, healthy and inclusive community."

The mission of It Takes a Village is to "support education, activism, and social change in our community." The nonprofit organization also operates a store located at 114 W Market St, in downtown Silver City. Specifically, it is at the corner of Market and Texas Streets, across from Javalina Coffee Shop. The store has a used book section of approximately 10,000 books, as well as new fair trade items from villages around the world, bumpers stickers, and the creations of local artists and artisans.

You can find out more about It Takes a Village by going to their Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/villagejason or calling Jason at (575) 915-2766