Loyola University Maryland will launch "Loyola is Listening," an initiative designed to uncover the strengths and challenges affecting the Govans neighborhood just east of Loyola's Evergreen campus in north Baltimore, on Wednesday, Jan. 27, with the first of three listening sessions. The event will take place from 7 - 8: 30 p.m. in the St. Mary of the Assumption Church hall at 5502 York Road.
The listening sessions pair Govans residents and business owners with teams of Loyola faculty, administrators, staff, and students trained to ask an extensive series of questions about what the residents enjoy about their neighborhood and what they would like to change, the services and amenities they would like to add, and their perspectives on Loyola and its role in the community. Approximately 50 Govans residents and 20 Loyola community members are expected to participate in the first "Loyola is Listening" event. The University worked with area churches, businesses, and community groups to recruit participants for the session.
"Working with our neighbors to improve the health and stability of the York Road corridor is a critical component of our current strategic plan," said Rev. Brian F. Linnane, S.J, Loyola's president. "'Loyola is Listening' is the first step in our efforts to discover the greatest opportunities and challenges facing the community, as well as the best ways for Loyola to play a positive role in the neighborhood's future."
"Loyola is Listening" was developed in partnership with the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC), a Quaker organization that carries out service, development, social justice, and peace programs throughout the world. Among these programs are "listening projects," community organizing tools that allow residents and other interested parties to gain a better understanding of a neighborhood's assets and needs.
Two additional "Loyola is Listening" sessions will take place on Wednesday, Feb. 24, at the American Friends Service Committee office at 4806 York Road and Wednesday, March 24, at the Peace Studies Center at Govans Presbyterian Church at 5528 York Road. All sessions run from 7 - 8:30 p.m.
For more information or questions regarding this story, contact Media Relations Manager Nick Alexopulos at nalexopulos@loyola.edu or 410-617-5025.