Vision Plan
In 2018, DSNI embarked on a new strategic process to sharpen and maximize our impact in the Dudley village and beyond. The strategic process has unlocked new opportunities for DSNI and has formulated a stronger roadmap for the organization. As part of our new strategic focus, DSNI will continue working with residents to:
Plan and exercise neighborhood control and resident power
Foster local leadership.
Ensure equitable access to resources and opportunities
The following focus areas encompass the root of the work that we do with the community to achieve our mission.
Development without Displacement
DSNI leads the planning and development of the Dudley Village, ensuring current residents are not displaced, and the culture of the neighborhood can remain and flourish.
Key Initiatives:
Engage in Community Land Use Planning
Preserve and support the creation of more affordable housing in Dudley, including through the Community Land Trust (CLT)
Take leadership at a neighborhood and City level to drive policy changes and new anti-displacement strategies
Expand the CLT model through partnership and collaboration with other organizations across the City and region
Youth Voice
DSNI will cultivate a rising generation of leaders, who are connected to peers, caring adults and enriching opportunities. Youth (ages 14 to 18) will be prepared to assume leadership roles at DSNI, the community, and across the City.
Key Initiatives:
Organize campaigns designed and led by youth that are representative of youth interests and needs
Provide youth with leadership opportunities that are interwoven across all organizational strategy areas
Provide youth with training and leadership opportunities at DSNI
Partner with other youth development networks across the City
Neighborhood Development
DSNI is the lead collaborator for comprehensive community development initiatives in Dudley, organizing residents to revitalize our neighborhood, increase our economic opportunities, and leverage the creativity and diversity of our community
Key Initiatives:
Support residents in advocating for greater access to public resources and services in the neighborhood
Provide opportunities for residents to build their assets and wealth
Organize regular creative place-making activities to celebrate, preserve and link the diverse cultures in the neighborhood
Organize and supports parents, students, and school leaders to improve schools in the Dudley neighborhood
Organize residents to convert vacant land into gardens, promote access to farmers markets, and ensure access to locally-grown, healthy food in our neighborhood restaurants and stores
Resident Empowerment
Key Initiatives:
Engage residents and volunteers in elections and issue campaigns that build civic engagement and link to ongoing advocacy efforts
Provide staff and resident-led trainings and workshops to build resident capacity
Provide meaningful leadership opportunities for residents including ensuring competitive elections for board seats and that all board members are supported and prepared for their roles
Develop and implement a robust member recruitment and engagement strategy for the organization
