Neighborhood Associations of Michigan's annual conference coming to Jackson

The Jackson area will get some positive recognition at the Neighborhood Associations of Michigan's annual conference Friday and Saturday at Baker College.

Those who attend the conference will tour Jackson and learn about successful community programs here.

Also, the Partnership Park Neighborhood Association will be given a Community Asset Award. 

Marian Barrera-Young, president of the Neighborhood Associations of Michigan, said sometimes communities like Jackson get stereotyped. But when associations such as Partnership Park, residents and other community partners work together, they can change the way people see a community.

"No matter how bad it is, there are good things happening," Barrera-Young said.

Jon Hart, who works with Partnership Park residents as a community organizer with the Community Action Agency, said he is proud of the community.

"There are a lot of people coming together and doing good things," Hart said.

The conference theme is "Hope and the Change We Need: Making it a Reality in Your Community."

Tyree Guyton, founder of the Heidelberg Project in Detroit, will speak at the conference, and topics of discussion include the importance of the 2010 U.S. Census and new faces of methamphetamine.

The conference also includes sessions on the city's Community Development Department and CAA's neighborhood stabilization efforts; Jackson Community College's Men of Merit student group; Fitness Council of Jackson's After School Bike Program; and Partnership Park Neighborhood Association's Community Gardens Program.

Renate Hurd, president of the Desert Rose Neighborhood Association, who is helping coordinate the conference, said she hopes people who attend see Jackson as something other than a prison community.

"We have our challenges, but it's still a good place to live," Hurd said.