Causes: Arts & Culture

Mission: Cbno-mac is a diverse community

Programs: Mlf: since 1968, the bryan bell metropolitan leadership forum bbmlf has sought to identify emerging community leaders and stimulate their interest and involvement in community service. Drawing from all sectors of the community - business, faith, nonprofit, neighborhood and civic groups- the purpose is to provide information about, analysis of and opportunities to explore key metropolitan issues and needs. By introducing emerging leaders to the issues they will face as they assume leadership roles, the bbmlf provides a unique opportunity to gain knowledge and insight into the serious problems that face our community - as well as potential solutions to the problems. In particular, the focus is on addressing these issues at systematic levels, as that tracks the fundamental approach of cbno/mac. In addition, the forum brings together individuals from diverse, ethnic, racial and socio-economic backrounds. By providing the opportunity for socializing over dinner (served at the beginning of each regular forum session) and then engaging in frank and open discussion among themselves and with experts in the various fields, the bbmlf promotes human understanding and encourages committment to solving the problems and overcoming the barriers that divide our community. In 2014, the bbmlf held 11 sessions and graduated 32 participants.

cpp: the purpose of the citizen participation program (cpp)project is to bring the citizens of new orleans together to design a permanent, formal mechanism for citizen participation in city government policy-setting and decision-making. In 2014, the organization worked with the city's neighborhood engagement office and various community members to draft policies for city government departments and agencies to obtain and work with citizen input. Similar work was done with the city planning commis

peoples budget project: the peoples budget project works to inform community members about the city's budgeting process and how it connects to their daily lives. Guided by a steering committee of residents and representatives of other community organizations, it seeks to create meaningful opportunities for community members to provide input into the city budget, and ultimately to bring participatory budgeting to new orleans.