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4 <br />phone numbers that could lead residents in marginalized communities to a service or connection with <br />others. This is a relatively simple and effective way that the City could show its commitment and interest <br />in embracing all of Eugene’s residents. <br /> <br />5. Designate City-owned physical space(s) for members of marginalized groups to gather on a <br />regular basis to welcome newcomers, make new friends, network with others, share common <br />concerns and celebrate cultural traditions. <br /> <br />Benefits to City: Designated Physical Spaces
 <br />Members of marginalized communities have expressed a desire that the City designate city-owned <br />physical spaces that could provide a gathering place to serve as safe spaces for people to be with others <br />like themselves. These designated spaces will serve to help welcome newcomers to Eugene, allow them <br />to connect with others and enjoy a sense of belonging. The spaces will also help to encourage, support, <br />strengthen and build community within our city. We envision the spaces being used by multiple <br />community groups to celebrate cultural holidays, to have meetings, network with others to make <br />connections and serve as a safe place for us to nurture our children in learning and sharing our cultural <br />practices and traditions. Having designated city-owned physical spaces as gathering places will help <br />marginalized communities feel truly welcome and valued as part of the City of Eugene’s broader <br />community. <br /> <br />6. Establish a planning committee for a centrally located, comprehensive multi-cultural center in <br />Eugene, with the majority of committee membership drawn from marginalized groups. <br /> <br />Benefits to City: Multicultural Center Planning Committee <br />(Please see Long Term Goal 1) <br /> <br />7. Require the City staff members responsible for programming events downtown in the Park <br />Blocks, in Kesey Square and elsewhere in Eugene to systematically reach out to marginalized <br />communities each year to find out what events they would like to see occur, what events they <br />would like to participate in and if/how they would like to showcase their presence to the broader <br />community. <br /> <br />Benefits to City: Outreach Regarding Programming Events Downtown, etc. <br />Cultural services staff should have a systematic and routine program to reach out to marginalized <br />communities to encourage their participation in downtown events. Increasing the visibility of different <br />groups and cultures leads to greater understanding and community solidarity and cohesion. As the <br />majority community comes into greater contact with cultures other than their own, stereotypes and <br />prejudices can break down, and new friendships or alliances can form, making our community stronger. <br />This also sends a powerful message to marginalized communities that this is their city, too, that they <br />belong here and that they share in the ownership of public spaces. <br /> <br />8. Fund a summit for marginalized communities where attendees explore common problems and <br />needs, discuss ways in which they can cooperate with and support one another, and identify <br />issues on which it would be most effective to speak with a common voice. <br /> <br />September 12, 2018, Work Session - Item 1