New Commons was honored to have been selected to facilitate this crucially important project. The project included two initial phases with the third still in activity.

Phase One involved a comprehensive process of multiple stakeholder meetings to develop core input. Foundational work completed at an earlier roundtable event identified four "acceleration initiatives" and New Commons organized and facilitated workshops for each. We also facilitated follow-up sessions that dug deep into areas of overlap, producing a set of "meta-projects" that are currently underway (comprehensive energy strategy, access to capital for green companies, workforce development).

Phase Two involved an extensive drafting and editing process to create the actual roadmap, both the summary version and the full, 20-page verion. This included a graphical layout with the addition of some image. 

Phase Three is currently evolving a network of partners to develop capabilities and take 'ownership' of specific projects.

On an annual basis, EPSCoR hosts a Diversity Workshop for a variety of stakeholders to further augment their efforts to attract and retain students of color in the STEM disciplines.

Michelle Gonzalez of New Commons was engaged to facilitate the workshop in order to enhance the sustainability of this project.  In previous years the Diversity Workshop engaged participants in principles of diversity, but didn't create a plan to further make the diversity initaitve a systemic one.  

the agenda started with a panel presentation from the following individuals to futher amplify the question of "What is diversity and how do we harness this iniative for our students." 

Creative Providence Cultural plan will:

• Be the result of a broadly inclusive, city-wide process;
• Attempt to integrate arts, culture, and creativity into all aspects of city life by making specific, realistic recommendations for action;
• Aim to stimulate economic development, strengthen the creative economy, education, and civic engagement, and, enhance the quality of life in the City of Providence;
• Serve as a catalyst for metro and statewide conversations about the evolution of arts, culture, and creativity in Providence;
• Recognize artists, arts administrators, and cultural institutions as leaders already shaping the 21st century environment; and
• Provide emerging arts leaders and experienced professionals a collaborative platform to explore innovative and creative strategies for enriching arts, culture, and creativity in the capital city. 

The CCEDC serves the entire Cape. Having facilitated a strategic planning process and drafted a plan in 2003, New Commons was recently re-engaged to facilitate the process of updating the plan.