22nd Annual

Orange County Community Conference

Join Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs, County Commissioners, and Government Staff to learn more about how you can enhance your neighborhood.  Some of the highlights include:

• Fun and informative workshops with exciting door prizes
• Community Champions & Community Organization Awards
• Exhibitors with all types of programs and services

The Community Conference is a great opportunity to come together as neighborhood and community leaders to share ideas, enhance our communities, and celebrate Orange County's neighborhoods.

Only credit card payments accepted online. Other forms of payment must be mailed or dropped off at the Neighborhood Preservation Office.
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Community Organization Awards

There are 6 different categories:

• Monica Harris Spires Excellence in Leadership
• Excellence in Innovative Newsletter Production
• Excellence in Community Building Projects
• Excellence in Neighborly Service
• Excellence in Safety & Security Initiatives
• Up & Coming Community Organization

 

Agenda

 

Workshop Sessions

Session A - 9:00am to 10:00am

What’s the 3-1-1?              

Did you know that 311 is Orange County Government’s main non-emergency information line?  Attend this workshop to learn all about what 311 has to offer.

Animal Services and You: Making a Difference        

Animal Services depends on the citizens of Orange County to serve as rescue partners, pet adoption and assistance with reducing pet overpopulation. Come join us at this workshop to learn more about what citizens can do to ensure that our pets are thriving in safe environments throughout the County.

The Dirt on Community Gardening

Are you interested in growing your own fruits and vegetables? Converting vacant parcels into community gardens can provide numerous benefits to the community. Community gardening increases the availability of fresh and locally grown food, reconnects people to the environment, and facilitates the formation of social connections between neighbors. This workshop will provide useful information on the steps necessary to begin a community garden in your neighborhood, tips on best gardening practices, and the resources available to assist you along the way.

Engaging Volunteers in Your Community

Engaging your neighbors is important to building and maintaining a sustainable association and neighborhood. In this workshop, you will learn strategies, tips, and techniques for attracting, engaging and acknowledging neighborhood volunteers, including how to effectively deal with difficult ones.  Find out what inspires neighbors to become and stay involved in your neighborhood. Learn how to help them align with a volunteer role that brings them meaning and feeds their passion.

The Orange County Experience 

Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs encourages citizens to engage their local county government through The Orange County Experience, an interactive series designed specifically for local citizens. The 12-week series of classes kicks off in the fall and provides citizens and community leaders the opportunity to learn more about Orange County and the vital services that the County provides – from technology and infrastructure to neighborhoods and health and family services.  Come learn all about the experience and how you can benefit from it.

Session B - 10:15am to 11:15am 

The Orange County Experience (Repeat Session)

County Mayor Teresa Jacobs encourages citizens to engage their local county government through The Orange County Experience, an interactive series designed specifically for local citizens. The 12-week series of classes kicks off in the fall and provides citizens and community leaders the opportunity to learn more about Orange County and the vital services that the County provides – from technology and infrastructure to neighborhoods and health and family services.  Come learn all about the experience and how you can benefit from it.       

Orange County Emergency Management       

When natural or man-made disasters threaten, do you know proper procedures to stay safe? Can you protect your home, neighborhood, congregation, or business? How do you know when to hunker down or run for the hills? This workshop will provide the basic guidelines and procedures necessary to help you prepare and respond to disasters quickly and safely.

Engaging Volunteers in Your Community (Repeat Session) 

Engaging your neighbors is important to building and maintaining a sustainable association and neighborhood. In this workshop, you will learn strategies, tips, and techniques for attracting, engaging and acknowledging neighborhood volunteers, including how to effectively deal with difficult ones.  Find out what inspires neighbors to become and stay involved in your neighborhood. Learn how to help them align with a volunteer role that brings them meaning and feeds their passion.            

Orange County Programs for Seniors   

This workshop is specifically designed to help seniors learn about the resources which are available to them and who to call for what they’re in need of.    

Solid Waste from A to Z

Are you excited about the new Automated Collection System?  Come learn all there is to know about Solid Waste and have an opportunity for questions and answers.           

Session C - 12:45am to 1:45pm

Ask a Lawyer        

Are you a board member of a Homeowners’ or Condominium Association and have questions about your legal documents, processes or practices?  Are you a resident in a subdivision with an association, but not getting your questions answered?  Do you have a burning desire to ask a just a few short legal questions about your community, but can’t afford a lawyer?  If so, this workshop is for you.

The Ins and Outs of Code Enforcement

Ever wonder who you can call when you notice issues in your community, or have you ever felt some things are just not fair? Let’s all get educated about Code Enforcement! Take the opportunity to learn about code violations. Participants will be given the chance to get the answers to questions they’ve always wanted to ask and become more informed about ways to improve their neighborhoods.

Combating Neighborhood Crime

Come and join us to learn innovative methods created for residents to work with local law enforcement to detect and prevent crimes in your neighborhood. Get information on how to start a Neighborhood Watch Group for your street, community, apartment complex, or condominium community.

Show Me the Money! Neighborhood Grant Opportunities   

Can your neighborhood’s entranceway use a facelift?  Orange County Neighborhood Pride Grants provide direct funding to support and assist citizens and organizations in improving the physical and social quality of neighborhoods.  Funding is available in the form of grants to help organizations revitalize and preserve their neighborhoods.

Social Media 101

Are you having a hard time engaging the residents of your neighborhood? If the thought of social media to communicate with the residents of your neighborhood sounds scary, we are here to help! This workshop will show you the common social media platforms to effectively contact your neighbors. Facebook, Nextdoor, Twitter, and Constant Contact/MailChimp are your friends and are here to help you reach out and touch someone.

Register Now!