Connected Community

Envision's Connected Community Focus

Envision Goal #3: Build a more connected community through a deepened understanding of race and equity.

The daily experiences for many at each stage in life—children, teens, adults, and senior citizens—are difficult to imagine for those who live with economic security and pathways to opportunity. Behind ENVISION goals 1 and 2 are quantifiable near- and longer-term strategies to help uplift families in our community. While both goals are essential to disrupt the cycle of poverty, they are not enough.

UWGC is partnering with stakeholders across Charlottesville’s social sector to connect, build relationships, and deepen understanding about the spectrum of lived experiences in our community through shared stories. The power of storytelling calls each one of us to the table to connect, listen, and engage with our neighbors. ENVISION offers opportunities through media, the arts, community events, and other platforms for social discourse to deepen understanding on issues of race and equity in Charlottesville. 

Connect

Join UWGC’s Community Table gatherings, bringing people together to share a meal and have conversations about race and equity with others who have—and, perhaps more importantly, may not have—common goals and perspectives.

UWGC presents the Charlottesville Black Business Guide—a collaboration with the Charlottesville Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Minority Business Alliance, the City of Charlottesville, and the University of Virginia’s Division for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. This guide highlights Black-owned and operated businesses and their services. Through exposure, our community can help these businesses thrive.

Listen

ENVISION Radio hosts weekly interviews on NewsRadio 98.9 and 1070 WINA that feature guests from business, government, cultural and social justice sectors. This is an opportunity to hear authentic and candid conversations shared by Black community leaders about equity, economic mobility, wealth generation, and opportunities in education, business, and health. ENVISION Radio is also available on all streaming platforms.

Engage

UWGC has created Color Cville to introduce our youngest learners to the complex history of our hometown through the pages of a coloring book, paying homage to 20 places, organizations, businesses, and community groups that aren’t fully celebrated and taught.

The ENVISION Mural Project enables local minority artists to beautify a prominent façade downtown and to tell the story of Charlottesville—a prosperous city centered on higher education, where nearly one in five families live in poverty.

Learn More

UWGC has created Color Cville to introduce our youngest learners to the complex history of our hometown through the pages of a coloring book, paying homage to 20 places, organizations, businesses, and community groups that aren’t fully celebrated and taught.

The ENVISION Mural Project enables local minority artists to beautify a prominent façade downtown and to tell the story of Charlottesville—a prosperous city centered on higher education, where nearly one in five families live in poverty.