Audio clip
Beverly Johnson
Hattie Darby has been president of North Chattanooga’s Hill City Neighborhood organization since 33-year-old Briston Smith was a child.
“If I had not been president, we might not have been able to continue,” Mrs. Darby said. “It wasn’t like I demanded it. No one else would take it.”
Mrs. Darby said she is pleased that younger people such as Mr. Smith are taking an interest in their communities. He is one of 24 people who graduated from the city’s Neighborhood Leadership Institute earlier this year.
“We need young people to stand and be counted in the community,” Mrs. Darby said.
New applicants for the institute are being accepted until Friday, with orientation scheduled March 31. The enrollment fee is $35 for classes and materials.
Mr. Smith said the institute gave him insight into how neighborhood associations work.
“Now I know about getting tasks accomplished, funding, relationship building and running an effective meeting,” he said.
Instructors from Chattanooga State Technical Community College and city employees team up to teach eight classes about neighborhood safety, funding for neighborhood projects, engaging stakeholders and conflict resolution. The classes are on designated Mondays from April 7 to Aug. 25.
Beverly Johnson, administrator of the city’s Neighborhood Services and Community Development department, started the Institute in 2007 because some neighborhood leaders had died or wanted to retire and there was no one to replace them, she said.
“A number of leaders in neighborhoods have been in those positions for a long time,” Ms. Johnson said. “Some are getting tired. We’re trying to groom new leadership so that others can take the roles.”
The leadership institute teaches residents how to deal with issues such as zoning or traffic problems, Mrs. Johnson said.
“We deal with how do you get your voice heard in city government,” she said.
Tara Hewlett, who was secretary of the Churchville Neighborhood Association before she attended the leadership conference in 2007, this year became the group’s president. She replaced Joyce Correthers, who held the position for 15 years.
“My main focus is to increase the membership,” Ms. Hewlett said. “Get people coming to meetings.”
GET INVOLVED
* What: Neighborhood Leadership Institute deadline is Friday
* To apply: Request an application from the Department of Neighborhood Services and Community Development by calling 425-7300.
* Applications and a list of the classes offered may also be obtained online at http://www.chattanooga.gov/Neighborhood_Services/86_ProgramsCampaigns.htm
* There is a $35 enrollment fee
Yolanda Putman has been a reporter at the Times Free Press for 11 years. She covers housing and previously covered education and crime. Yolanda is a Chattanooga native who has a master’s degree in communication from the University of Tennessee and a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Alabama State University. She previously worked at the Lima (Ohio) News. She enjoys running, reading and writing and is the mother of one son, Tyreese. She has also ...
