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www.OurNewton.org 1
 Contents

Why a portal?
Who is involved?
Benefits
Getting started
Features
Next steps

Newton, The Garden City

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Why a Portal?
 In a world of too
much information, we
must focus on what is
important to us
 OurNewton.org helps
to connect us to those
in our community
who share our focus
 We can learn from
and support each
other for the
betterment of our
community

Strengthen
Our Community 3
 Make New
Connections

 Strengthen the social fabric

of Newton with an easy way
to find information about our
community
 Organize non-profits and
social service resources for
the convenience of all

Artwork from
Newton Free Library
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 Improve Communications
Sign in, connect, choose options and groups
Share a community calendar with access to
information about community events
Join groups for discussions, questions, and sharing of
information
Participate in volunteer efforts such as welcome
wagons, teen grants, and a new and better city guide

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Partnerships

Johnny Kelly, old and young,

Commonwealth Avenue Carriage Lane

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 A Team Effort

 Designed and monitored by Newton community members

 Modeled by other Massachusetts cities or towns who have
successfully lead the way
 Supported by Social Capitol Inc.
 Guided by our Lead Partners

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Founding Members
 Newton Public School
Technology Advisory
Committee
 Newton Corner
Neighborhood Association
 Underwritten by an
anonymous Newton Patron

Birches at Bullough’s Pond,

Newtonville 8
 Social Capital Inc.
A non-profit organization with a mission of
enriching civic engagement
Achieved success in Woburn, Dorchester, and
Lynn
Funded through various federal, state grants,
AmeriCorps, and individual donations

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Models of Success
www.MyDorchester.org
www.SCILynn.org
www.SCIWoburn.org
www.MassYouth.org
www.MassCivicAction.org

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MyDorchester.org

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www.SocialCapitalInc.org

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SCI's Youth Council Program

 Empower teens to develop

active citizenship and
leadership skills
 Provide training to teens
who mobilize their peers to
get involved
 Encourage teens to
participate in the political
process

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 Benefits to
Newton

Spring in Newton Centre 14

 Benefits

 Community resource
 Launching point for accessing information about Newton
 Connection for like minded people
 Powerful communications potential
 An equitable way for various agencies and programs to
 Promote educational opportunities
 Encourage volunteerism
 Publicize healthy recreational options

Crystal Lake, Newton Centre

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 Benefits
Organize Benefits
information about Newton
in an easy to use interface

Newton Free Library

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 Benefits

 Provide an
opportunity for
streamlined
communications
for meetings,
performances,
and other
cultural,
recreational, and
educational
events

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…from your backyard to our home page.
 Possible Programs
 Educate and welcome new neighbors with a community guide
 Better us of existing resources and learn from best practices

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Getting Started

Create a new account.

Create

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Enter a Username

Password must
must be
be at least
8 characters.

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Choose Your Options

Join a group
Create a
group
Subscribe to
email
notifications
Edit your
options at
any time

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Add a Photo

Upload your
Upload your photo
photo here.

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Edit Your Profile

Change your preference at

at
any time.

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Community Guide Entry
Form

Select categories
Select categories for your
your
organization making itit
organization
easier to
easier to find
find you.

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Join a Group

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Create a Group

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What Can You Do With Your Group?

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Invite Members To Join

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Post a Blog Entry

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Start a Group Discussion

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Calendar Options

Multiple calendar tracking to

you sort
help you sort through the many
Newton.
events happening in Newton.

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 Post an Event

Publish your events for

maximum visibility
maximum visibility

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 Share Your Calendar

Give your organization’s

web
calendar a strong web
presence.
presence.

 Contact janetsville@gmail.com

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View a Specific Calendar

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 Next Steps

Waban Inbound 35
 Strengthen Our Community
 Register for the site
 Create a guide entry for your organization
 Share your calendar, janet@janetporcaro.net
 Enter calendar entries for our community
 Spread the word
 Schedule an information session, janet@janetporcaro.net
 Get involved in the process

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Thank You for Your Attention!
www.OurNewton.org

…from your backyard to our home page.

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