Data Walk is a community event designed to bring together community members, government officials, and nonprofit leaders from the Statesboro/Bulloch County area to discuss pressing issues and find ways to solve them.
Last week's Data Walk was held at Louetta Moore Park on Thursday, April 25, 2024 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. You will also have the opportunity to participate on Saturday, May 4, 2024 from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at the Boys and Girls Club of Statesboro.
These events are hosted by United Way of Southeast Georgia, Georgia Southern University School of Public and Nonprofit Studies, Georgia Southern University Institute for Vibrant and Participatory Communities. United Way is using the data walk results to determine where to fund his 10 $1,500 mini-grants in the community.
Listening to local voices: Community members share their insights
Upon arrival, participants were asked to write their name on a name tag and answer questions about community involvement. From there, we were encouraged to have a snack and mingle with other participants. Uncle Shug food was served and everyone had a chance to look at posters and speak with community members before the event began. The atmosphere was exciting and everyone seemed eager to share and learn.
After everyone has finished eating, Dr. Tina Patterson of Georgia Southern University School of Public and Nonprofit Studies, I told the group about the ALICE data. ALICE is a platform created by United Way. ALICE stands for Asset Limited Income Constrained Employed.
This is when the exploration of community data began.
After the synopsis of ALICE, I had a chance to rotate through the five stations. Each station had useful data on topics such as adult literacy, health, affordable child care, affordable housing, and income. I spent a few minutes at each station discussing with community members how the theme directly impacts each of us.
I was shocked to see some of the numbers in my community, but I also knew I wasn't the only community member facing challenges. The station ended with a discussion of ways to improve this problem. It was great to hear ideas from different people about solutions. We all face this problem, so hearing how others face this challenge gave me insight.
One of the community members felicia washingtonwho participated in the data walk shared their thoughts on the data presented. she said, “I kept coming back to the fact that when you're barely getting by, it affects every other area of your life. You can't afford medical bills, you can't afford childcare, you can't afford housing. It’s a never-ending cycle.”
According to Bullock County's ALICE data, a single adult needs a minimum wage of $13.44 an hour to pay the bills and survive, while a family of four (two adults and two children in childcare) It was revealed that a minimum wage of $73,944, or $36.97 per hour, is required. This left many community members stunned.
When community members were asked how to improve their challenges, the topic of “village builders” caught my eye. As part of the community, this is all our village. We have to address it and all members of the community need to start participating. These are common challenges as members of this community.
Creating more programs for the community was also discussed. This could include more literacy programs, instruction, or more accessible child care. Creating new initiatives such as mentoring and literacy programs was a common theme among participating community members.
Your voice needs to be heard. United Way is dedicating a portion of the funds to data walk priority issues. As a member of the community, now is the time to make your voice heard. This year, United Way will allocate 10 mini-grants worth $1,500 each. These grants will be tailored directly to concerns from this event.
Building a stronger community together: Join us at our next Data Walk event.
The Data Walk event was a great success, bringing together many community members to discuss important issues and find solutions to them. I really enjoyed the opportunity to express my concerns and hear the views shared by others.
If you missed this event, don't worry, there will be more in the future. The next Data Walk will be held on Saturday, May 4th from 12:00pm to 2:00pm at the Boys and Girls Club. Be sure to click the link and register. As a community member, your voice is key to addressing community issues and concerns.
The importance of community involvement and collaboration cannot be overstated. By working together and actively participating in community events such as data walks, we can create positive change and make a difference. Let's continue to support each other and improve each other. Every day is a new opportunity to make Bulloch County brighter and better for everyone.