Strengthening Collaboration Skills and Advancing Community Engagement in West Philadelphia
A collaboration among UR Action, the Free Library, and SNF Paideia
WHEN: Fall 2025
WHY
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Build essential skills among community members, library staff, and University of Pennsylvania students for collaborating across differences and advancing community engagement in West Philadelphia
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Strengthen relationships among community members, including University of Pennsylvania students, and with the Free Library
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Advance the Free Library’s ethos of creating a community of lifelong learners
WHO
The Strengthening Collaboration Skills and Advancing Community Engagement in West Philadelphia initiative is intended for community members, University of Pennsylvania students, and Free Library staff (from Walnut Street Library).
Two Urban Rural Action facilitators will lead each workshop.
WHAT
Four two-hour interactive workshops that will strengthen your collaboration skills and advance community engagement in West Philadelphia.
Food and refreshments will be provided at each workshop!
ABCs of Constructive Conversation
Learn and apply a framework, the ABCs of Constructive Conversation, for achieving a mutual understanding of different views on tough topics.
September 16, 4-6 pm ET
Managing Interpersonal Conflict Collaboratively
Learn and apply a framework, the Seven Elements of Joint Problem-Solving, to navigate conflicts in a way that helps you achieve your goals while preserving relationships with others.
November 11, 4-6 pm ET
Media Manipulation and Polarization
Spot the types of biases and manipulation strategies common in online content, and learn and apply proven strategies for countering these manipulation tactics to prevent and reduce harm to ourselves, our communities, and our country.
October 14, 4-6 pm ET
Stakeholder and Influence Mapping
Determine how best to effect a positive change in your community by analyzing your sphere of influence and strategizing on who to engage and how.
November 18, 4-6 pm ET
Contact Us
For questions or to get involved, contact:
Logan Grubb
Operations Excellence Lead