• Collaboratively designing a “West Side Pride” flag and/ or buntings that residents and business owners can showcase along local streets and buildings as a sign of unity and pride.
1.3. Cultivate an inclusive “West Sider” identity through multi-generational programs that share West Side values with youth and newcomers. Many West Siders have a special connection to one another that has been cultivated by lifelong and generational relationships and experiences. Families and neighbors have persevered through good times and bad by supporting one another. But, while some have deep roots in the community, others may feel somewhat “outside” this sense of West Side togetherness. One way to deliberately expand the circle and bring youth and newcomers into the fold is by creating multi-generational programs and events that celebrate acts of neighborliness and offer support to those who might otherwise feel socially isolated. Some of the qualities that we have heard help to unify West Siders is a sense of determination, loyalty and fighting spirit – that they will never quit, are willing to fight for what is important and thrive on competition and striving for excellence whether on the playing field or at work. Programs designed to share West Side values should preserve and extend the connection that long-time residents to welcome and embrace not only newcomers but also young people growing up in the neighborhood who might feel disconnected from some of the traditions or institutions that anchor “West Sider” identity. This must
also include a willingness to allow “West Sider” identity to evolve and shift as new generations and new cultures are welcomed in.
1.4. Create a “welcome committee” to orient newcomers to the assets, services, and programs in the community. The “Welcome Committee” concept must be rooted in and connected to all the other strategies described up until this point. The work of the “Welcome Committee” starts with the development of a more explicitly welcoming and curious outlook towards newcomers and youth. This outlook will help welcome committee members to develop a better understanding of what might make newcomers and youth feel disconnected or isolated from long-time West Side traditions and institutions. The committee’s work will then be to gradually break down those barriers and develop tools, resources and programs that help connect newcomers to the rest of the community. This may take the form of a “welcome packet” with printed materials on the assets, services and programs in the community or it could be as simple as a gift card to a local business or a one-on-one meet-up with a long-time resident. Programs and social gatherings are another great way to help welcome newcomers into the fold and make them feel comfortable and supported as new members of the community.
WEST SCRANTON NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN
61