For the past 51 years, The Neighborhood Design Center (NDC) has offered Baltimore City and Prince George’s County communities with planning and design services. NDC has worked on and designed over 3,700 projects by building trust, respecting differences, actively addressing different power dynamics, positions of power, and being active listeners to the concerns of the community. Through these years of experience NDC has learned that the things that occur prior to the design are a large part of the process. A common goal must be articulated by the collective, to build a safe space and process to support design outcomes. On September 21 and 22 NDC’s Program Managers, Sophie Morley and Katryna Carter, and Community Design Program Director, Allie O’Neal will be hosting workshops focused on the group work that NDC does. This workshop aims to understand the needs and desires of projects from community members, their capacity currently and in the future, as well as the connection to the larger community. The use of interactive, scenario-based activities will allow participants to reflect on projects that they have been part of while elevating marginalized voices and challenging systems of oppression. Attendees will use stakeholder and resource mapping, partnership agreements, and other tools to provide a practical guide while critically reflecting on ethical processes and equitable outcomes for creating strong partnerships. If you are a community member that is concerned with not only improving the conditions of your neighborhood, but also seek to create a stronger relationship with neighbors, register today, the deadline is September 16.