The Eckington Civic Association (ECA) is an active committee with engaged citizens who want to address matters to improve the conditions of its current community. With its slogan, "Caring for the community we live in," the ECA attracts a sizable crowd from the community who want to contribute, be heard, and make a difference for the current and future generations to come. ECA meets the first Monday of every month at 7:00 PM (EST), except for the month of August. The committee welcomes anyone to attend the meeting; however, only members of the community can cast a vote or run for office. A bulletin is posted on the right with details of ECA's next meeting.

 

The last meeting ECA conducted was held on Monday, September 11, 2017. Attached, on the right below the bulletin are documents related to the September 11 community meeting. A total of 23 members were in attendance.  Classmate Arun Dotson, who is also part of the Eckington Urban Immersion project was present and shared his field notes, meeting minutes, and a Letter of Concern ECA sent to one of the liquor business owners. It is to be noted that the citizens of Eckington are well engaged in their community and care for the decisions which will affect the quality of life for individuals within the vicinity. The set-up of the meeting was very welcoming. The group sat in a round circle, so each person can view one another, feel equal presence and feel welcomed to the discussion. One cannot forget to mention the ECA left a great impression due to being well organized and how smoothly all agenda items were addressed. A few pictures from Mr. Dotson's visit to the ECA meeting are shared on this site.

 

I plan to attend the meeting being held on Monday, October 2, 2017. As we have read over the course of urban development, to advance citizen-centered methodologies requires a shift in our focus. Simply voting and volunteering does not do enough. As a citizen of a community, if one wants to see change, he/she has to engage starting at the local level and bring the community together on topics of relevance to the community. This change is prevalent at ECA, and if such passion continues with engaged citizens within Eckington, then there is no stopping prosperity for this community. As Frederick Douglass denoted, "If there is no struggle, there is no progress."  Together equates to Stronger!