Doña  Ana Communities United
February 2018  Newsletter

Greetings DACU friends! The year is off to a great start with the timebank, Nevada Neighborhood Project, and radio show in full swing. We are also excited to introduce our newest colleagues from Doña Ana Community College. Read on for more details!

Warmly, 
Kari and Meredith

DACU Director 
Kari Bachman
575-496-4330
DACU Outreach Coordinator 
Meredith Severtson
575-323-0730

Upcoming DACU Events

All events listed below will be held at our office ( 151 S Walnut Street, Unit  B13).
You'll find directions at the  bottom of this newsletter.

1. Timebank Orientation
February 12, 5:30-7 PM

3. Timebank Orientation
March 17, 2-3:30 PM

5. DACU Team Meeting
March 27, 11 AM-1 PM

2. Timebank Potluck
February 17, 1-3 PM

4. Timebank Potluck
March 23, 6-8 PM

Welcome Rachael and Ruben!

We are excited to welcome our new colleagues Rachael Leong and Ruben Bolanos to DACU! Both public health students at Doña Ana Community College, they will be working on the Nevada Neighborhood Project this semester.

Rachael is originally from St. Louis, Missouri and has lived in Las Cruces with her husband for six years now. She is passionate about improving our community through service.  Ruben is a confident and motivated person willing to help anyone in any situation to the best of his ability. His hobbies include fishing, mostly for catfish, so he has a great deal of patience!

Ruben and Rachael meet with NMSU student Andrea Manini and Kari.
Timebank Steering Committee Meeting 

Did you know the timebank is supported by a steering committee? This group of six actively engaged timebank members meets monthly with DACU staff to guide the development of the timebank. 
At our most recent meeting, several members not on the steering committee shared the challenges they've faced in participating in the timebank. This led to a fascinating conversation about the ideas and values that drive the timebank. The perspectives we heard will shape the way we talk about the timebank with new and current members and help all of us engage more meaningfully with one another.
We are so grateful for the support we receive from the steering committee and all our timebank members! If you would like to talk about ways you can help move the timebank forward, contact Meredith at [email protected] or (575) 323-0730.

Nevada Neighborhood Project Updates

DACU is coordinating a project to increase community engagement while partnering with The City of Las Cruces. A portion of Nevada Avenue will be redesigned with vegetated bumpouts to increase walkability and shade as well as slow traffic. On January 25 th , we presented at Councilor Gabe Vasquez's community safety meeting where we were able to discuss ideas with residents. On February 5 th , the Lynn Community School hosted a meeting to discuss plans for future events, including a fix-it fair. If you live in the area and would like to get involved, join the project's Facebook group!

"Just Community" Radio Show

Kari continues to broadcast her live show "Just Community" every Thursday morning from 8 to 9 AM on KTAL-LP 101.5 FM. The show aims to highlight voices not often heard in our community. Recent guests have included Charles Clements, local bus expert; Randy Harris of The Great Conversation; BK Eastland, who spoke about his experiences navigating the city with visual impairment; and Meg Brauckmann and Meredith Severtson, both Border Servant Corps members. 

Archived interviews are available on Google Drive. You can also stream the show live on the KTAL website.  If you or someone you know would make a great guest on "Just Community," contact Kari to get involved!


Charles on the phone with a loyal listener.

Randy gets comfortable at the station. 
 
Kari and BK after their interview.

Kari, Meg, and Meredith after the show.
Directions to Our Office
151 South Walnut Street, Unit B13  map

DACU is located at the corner of Walnut and Griggs in the Walnut Business Park. We are  w alking distance from Roadrunner bus routes 6 and 7. Please call before you come by, as we are often out and about in the community!
 
Doña Ana Communities United (DACU) builds the capacity of communities to develop and implement policies and community-based solutions that improve social, economic, and environmental conditions that shape health and life opportunities. We work to advance health equity in Doña Ana County by addressing institutional inequities related to geography, class, gender, and race. We are a nonpartisan organization and we welcome everyone to join us!

We are conducting two main projects. Through the social equity mapping project, undervalued community members explore their neighborhoods and work with local decision makers to develop policies that advance health equity. Participants in the hOurTime timebank build social cohesion and practice an equitable form of alternative economics as they exchange services with each other.