Most cities have a healthy amount of civic pride and are happy to show off what they think are its prized attractions, as well as hidden gems.
For Councilman Jim B. Clarke, bringing together Culver City’s more than 140 nonprofits is not only a way to showcase the “Heart of Screenland’s” environmental, philanthropic and athletic organizations as a group of unknown assets, but also an opportunity to make civic boosterism more meaningful.
“Last year when we passed a series of strategic goals, one of them was to make our city a kinder city. Not that we aren’t kind now, but we wanted to explore what that concept really means,” Clarke explained. “We want to brand ourselves as a kind city and I think increasing civic engagement is one way to do that.”
To that end, Clarke is teaming up with the Exchange Club to host a nonprofits fair on Aug. 12 at Veterans Memorial Park. At least 64 Culver City and nearby nonprofit organizations will be at the fair, almost 20 more than had confirmed their attendance 10 days ago, Clarke said.
The councilman hopes residents will attend in high numbers to learn about the types of local charities and organizations and perhaps decide to join one – or more.
“I think the fair is going to provide a great opportunity for our residents and stakeholders to see what some of our nonprofits have to offer. There are so many of them that are dong really great work,” Clarke said.
Exchange Club President John Cohn said the city’s nonprofits are ready to interact with anyone who is interested about their work.
“These organizations are eager to meet with our residents and tell their stories,” he said.
Clarke noted that often after a resident applies for a position on a city committee or board but is not chosen they are often unsure of where to go next with their desire to make a civic contribution. To him, steering them in the direction of a local nonprofit might result in an ideal fit for both parties and can harness the enthusiasm and spirit necessary for public service.
“That’s been a question that we’ve been trying to answer: how do we take that energy and help people manifest it into civic action,” he said.
The fair can also present another opportunity: for local nonprofits to potentially work together on various projects, sharing expertise, resources and ideas.
“If there’s one thing that I’ve learned in my career, it’s the key to any success is collaboration,” said Clarke, a former deputy to ex- Rep. Diane Watson (D- Culver City), and the director of federal under former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.
This is the first gathering of the city’s nonprofits in one place and Clarke thinks it will be mutually beneficial for anyone looking to become more active civically and for nonprofits to display why they should join them.
“We’re going to have a wide variety so people can walk around and explore them all,” he said. “If there are residents who are looking to get involved with the community, we have something for you.”
Veterans Auditorium is locate at 4117 Overland Ave., Culver City. The fair is from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m.
Gary Walker contributed to this story.