Working Groups & Meetings
Working Groups for Friends of the Underdeck
(Pre-Construction Phase)
These working groups will focus on education, awareness, advocacy, and preparation for the next phase of the project, ensuring the successful realization and sustainability of the Underdeck project, reflecting the diverse needs and aspirations of the Miami community included in the recommendations developed by the Underdeck Committee
Four Working Groups:
Awareness and Engagement Working Group
Governance and Intergovernmental Relations Working Group
Consensus Plan Advocacy – Design and Programming Working Group
Fund Development Working Group
WANT TO GET INVOLVED?
Become Part of the Team!
The Friends of the Underdeck has established working groups to effectively manage civic engagement and leadership efforts, ensuring the community’s voice is heard in the development of the Underdeck project. These working groups allow us to focus on specific areas such as awareness, governance, advocacy, and fundraising, enabling a detailed and dedicated approach to each aspect. By organizing volunteers into specialized groups, we can address the community’s needs and concerns comprehensively, ensuring that critical issues are highlighted and communicated to the City, FDOT, and other governmental entities.
Working groups are essential for fostering robust community involvement and participation. The Underdeck project aims to reflect the diverse needs and aspirations of Miami’s residents, making it crucial to include as many voices and perspectives as possible. These groups provide structured opportunities for stakeholders, including civic leaders, business owners, nonprofits, and residents, to contribute their insights and expertise. This inclusive approach helps ensure that the Underdeck remains a community-driven initiative, fostering a sense of ownership and pride among those involved.
Additionally, working groups help the Friends of the Underdeck build and maintain productive relationships with various governmental and institutional partners. By having dedicated groups focus on governance, intergovernmental relations, and fund development, we can advocate effectively for support and collaboration from entities such as the City of Miami, FDOT, Miami-Dade County, and other key stakeholders. This structured approach enhances the project’s credibility and ensures that the community’s priorities are considered and addressed while the project is being developed, leading to sustainable progress and long-term success.
Your involvement matters. Take a look at our working groups described below. If you are interested in learning more, sign up for an orientation. We are excited about each and every Miamian to become part of the team!
Working Groups
Awareness and Engagement Working Group
- Communications Strategy: Develop a comprehensive public relations and media outreach strategy to raise awareness about the Underdeck project, building on previous recommendations for stakeholder education and engagement. Support the implementation of the strategy.
- Content Collaboration: Work with other working groups to prioritize and create cohesive content for various platforms, ensuring the community stays informed.
- Website and Newsletter Management: Continuously update the Underdeck website and newsletter to provide timely information and updates to the community.
- Community Meetings: Plan and execute community meetings, both in-person and virtually, to engage the public and gather feedback.
- Corporate and Institutional Engagement: Engage with corporate and institutional partners to build a supportive network, securing fiscal, programmatic, or public support.
- Expanding Participation: Actively expand the participation of stakeholders, organizations, and institutions in support of our principles and recommendations.
Governance and Intergovernmental Relations Working Group
- Nonprofit Formalization: Establish the legal structure, board structure, membership, operational structure, decision-making processes, and necessary committees for the “Friends of the Underdeck” nonprofit.
- Governmental Relations: Define priorities for interactions with City, County, FDOT, Quasi-Governmental officials, the Miami-Dade Legislative Delegation, and the Miami-Dade Congressional Delegation.
- National Network Engagement: Serve as the liaison with national networks (e.g., Civic Commons, High Line Network) to ensure proper representation and opportunities for learning and sharing.
- Advocacy for Cross-Sector Collaboration: Advocate for cross-sector governmental collaboration to ensure comprehensive support and alignment with project goals
Consensus Plan Advocacy – Design and Programming Working Group
- Recommendation Advocacy: Advocate for the recommendations outlined in the Consensus report, ensuring community-driven outcomes are prioritized in decision-making processes.
- Consultation and Analysis: Collaborate with consultants to analyze the potential impacts of underdevelopment and advocate for design elements that benefit the community.
- Community Activation: Plan and lead activation events to stimulate community engagement and support for local businesses and nonprofits, especially in Overtown, as per previous community activation efforts.
Fund Development Working Group
- Fundraising Strategy: Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy aligned with the goals of the Underdeck project, building on previous funding development recommendations.
- Donor Relations: Cultivate and maintain relationships with donors, sponsors, and community partners to secure ongoing financial support.
- Grant Applications: Identify and apply for grants that support community development and social impact initiatives.
- Resource Allocation: Collaborate with other working groups to ensure effective and aligned allocation of funds.
- Public-Private Partnership Advocacy: Advocate for a public-private partnership or conservancy model to oversee the development, operation, and programming of the Underdeck.
- Diversified Fund Development: Ensure the most robust and diversified fund development strategy for long-term operations, encompassing various funding sources and innovative fundraising methods.
Special Interest Groups
Special Interest Stakeholder Groups emerged through extensive community engagement efforts conducted in 2022 and 2023 as part of the Underdeck Committee’s planning initiative. This community-led effort is designed to involve key community members in the planning and development of the Underdeck public space, ensuring that the design, programming, operations, and maintenance reflect the needs and aspirations of these vital segments of the community.
Youth Stakeholder Group
For the Youth Stakeholder Group, the initiative aims to teach young people the value of civic participation and empower them to contribute to the shaping of their community. In 2022, the group conducted interviews, interactive meetings, and a youth summit, providing a platform for youth to voice their opinions and ideas. We will be convening this group in September to determine key priorities that matter most to them. By facilitating discussions and activities, we aim to identify their primary concerns and aspirations for the Underdeck, ensuring their perspectives are integrated into the project’s development.
Economic Development Special Interest Group
The Economic Development Special Interest Group focuses on involving local business owners to gather insights that ensure the Underdeck’s design and operations support the local business community. This group first met in October 2022 and continued to engage throughout 2023. During these meetings, business owners shared practical insights, current concerns, and considerations for the public space’s impact on their operations. They have shown a strong interest in integrating their efforts and priorities with the two Community Redevelopment Agencies (CRAs) and the City of Miami. By convening this group, we aim to identify their key priorities and facilitate discussions to integrate their perspectives into the project.
Both groups emerged through the proactive and intentional community engagement conducted by the Underdeck Committee over the past two years. These efforts included community meetings, interviews, surveys, and outreach initiatives aimed at gathering comprehensive input from residents and stakeholders across various neighborhoods. By actively involving both youth and small business owners in the decision-making process, we can create a public space that truly serves and supports the diverse needs of our community. If interested in participating in either group, please submit a form, and we will follow up with an orientation session to get you started on this exciting journey.
Committee Manager/Lead Facilitator
Lisa Martinez
Founder/CEO LM Genuine Solutions
View the report chronicling community-based recomendations for the future of the Underdeck!
The Underdeck Committee and the City of Miami have a significant milestone to celebrate. After more than a year of intentional and insightful community engagement, a 400-page comprehensive report chronicling community-based recommendations for the future development, management, and operation of The Underdeck was submitted to the Miami City Commission on December 5, 2022
View the Report
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