The Banyan Community
2647 Bloomington Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55407
The Banyan Community is rooted in East Phillips, rising up to develop youth and strengthen families, reaching out to create community. The Banyan is a Christian Community Development organization that began as an idea, when founders Tim and Joani Essenburg moved into the East Phillips neighborhood of Minneapolis in 1990. The Essenburgs, joined by many, continue their commitment to building a family in community. Core to the vision is the importance of seeing the neighborhood change, not just through the efforts of “outsiders,” but through the gifts and vision of East Phillips residents themselves.
A diverse and low income neighborhood that presents its own challenges and opportunities is met with community members and staff equipped with lived experience, research, partners, best practices, and Christian commitment. The community reflects this effort through the presence of youth who are high school graduates and college students, strong and resilient families, and safety on Lighthouse Network Blocks.
The Banyan Community is pleased to offer a bilingual experience (English/Spanish)./Se ofrecerá servicios bilingües (español/ingles).
Schedule
Friday, September 28
| 12:00pm | Bus departs Hilton |
| 12:30pm-1:45pm | Lunch at Mercado Central* |
| 1:45pm-2:00pm | Walk to Banyan Center |
| 2:00pm-2:15pm | Reconvene at Banyan Center |
| 2:15pm-3:30pm | Workshop I or II |
| 3:30pm-3:45pm | Break |
| 3:45pm-4:45pm | Workshop III or IV |
| 4:45pm-5:00pm | Debrief |
| 5:00pm | Bus departs Banyan Center |
| 5:30pm | Arrive at Hilton |
Workshop I: Community Revitalization: An Examination of the Perkins Model
Presenters: Dr. Timothy Essenburg, Professor of Economics at Bethel University, Co-Founder of Banyan Community
How does community revitalization happen? What is the Perkins model and how is it relevant to community development today? This workshop presents an in-depth study of the Perkins model using the Banyan Community as a case study, challenging the philosophy and practice of the 3 R’s.
Workshop II: Best Practices in Youth Development
Presenters: Sam Olson, Youth Development Director of Banyan Community, and team
Learn from the models that Banyan implements for Youth Development—including Search Institute’s Developmental Assets, National Youth Leadership Council, and Youth Program Quality Assessment to understand how to apply these best practices to your youth group or youth development programs. Spanish Translation available/traddución disponsible.
Workshop III: Banyan Community Parent Panel
Presenters: Joani Essenburg, Executive Director and Co-Founder of Banyan Community, and community members
Listen to the experts: indigenous parents who have raised their children in the Banyan Community and are now leaders. The journey together has fostered trust over time that now results in 100% high school graduation, family cohesion, and a safe community. A diverse group of parents speak from their heart around the topics of youth, family, community, and education. Spanish Translation available/traddución disponsible.
Workshop IV: Powerful Partnerships
Presenters: Lauretta Dawolo Towns, Community Coordinator of Banyan Community, and Partners
A broad spectrum of partners shares how they collaborate in building a strong community by helping to deliver services and strengthening the organization’s mission. Partners from the county, the church, and other non-profits will be on hand to share how they circle around the Banyan Community to bring the best.
Pre-registration for On Location Workshops is required. Purchase a ticket for The Banyan Community here. The $10 fee covers lunch and transportation costs. All ages are welcome at this site; attendance is limited to 50. This site is not handicapped-accessible. Parts of this event will be held outdoors. Come dressed for the weather, rain or shine.
*About Lunch…Mercado Central is a member-owned cooperative of 48 Latino businesses whose mission is to recreate an authentic Latin American marketplace. Opened in 1999, the market functions as a small business incubator and cultural center.
