Communities of Opportunity is entering its second phase with a detailed action plan and a time line in the works.
COO is a project of the Foundation for the Mid South. An undetermined amount of grant money from the Walton Family Foundation will be implemented in Leflore County through this program.
At the core of this implementation is the community council, a group of 32 representatives from 10 communities in Leflore County.
"This will be more of an implementation phase, which will run from July to October. Now we're going to be doing over the next couple of months what has been discussed," said Beverly Divers-White, director.
The council, which was created in March, reconvened at a closed meeting Wednesday in Itta Bena after a month's break.
Over the break, council members from Quito developed a mosquito abatement program, and a new Leflore County public library in Sidon was opened with help from council members, White said.
In preparation for the phase, White said the council will soon create a part-time staff.
"The Foundation for the Mid South has budgeted money for the staff. In all likelihood, though, the work will be contracted out into the community because the council members already have jobs," White said.
The council will also be finishing its council structure
by electing offices such as president and vice president. Members will also complete their bylaws.
Several events are already scheduled for the next phase. By late October, the Foundation for the Mid South will sponsor a small group of council members who will travel to a rural part of the United States. When they return, council members will create an action plan based on their observations.
On Monday, six members of the council, along with staff from the Foundation for the Mid South, will share the community plan with the administration of Mississippi Valley State University.
White said this is an example of the partnerships COO is trying to create within the community.
"There are a large number of resources in the community we want to harness," White said.
On Aug. 9, a program officer from the Walton Family Foundation and Foundation for the Mid South staff will meet with the council to show their progress.
"This will be a two-way discussion between the council and the Walton Family foundation. It will serve to give an update on procedures and address proposals," White said.
"Our council is excited about developing strategies and partnerships for effective community change," White said.
