Wellbeing Microgrants Round 1: Community
Out of 21 total applications, these eight projects were selected for the Pilot Round of Wellbeing Microgrants. In creative and exceptional ways, they each focus on aspects of community including trust, loneliness, inclusivity, and social interaction. Selection was based on the Evaluation Criteria listed below.
Focus on Community
Based on key findings from the Wellbeing Index, for the pilot round we sought to strengthen Community - one of the six dimensions the City uses to measure our wellbeing progress. We identified four specific areas within the Community dimension that need improvement and identified and funded resident-lead initiatives to improve one or more of these areas, with an emphasis on the Pico neighborhood for our pilot microgrant.
Trust
Data shows particularly low rates of trust within the community. How can you increase trust between neighbors and create stronger community bonds? How can you measure progress?
Loneliness
At least two in every five Santa Monica residents told us they don’t feel they belong in their neighborhood. What would create a better sense of belonging in your neighborhood?
Inclusivity
We know that sense of community increases with age.
Can you come up with a project that crosses generations?
Social
13% of Santa Monicans socialize with friends or relatives less than once a month. What can you do to increase opportunities for friends and neighbors to get together?
ESCUCHAMOS PARA ENTENDER: LAS CARAS DE PICO / WE LISTEN TO UNDERSTAND: THE FACES OF PICO
This project brings together elementary age students from the Edison Language Academy and Spanish-speaking senior citizens in Pico. The students recorded Spanish-language interviews with seniors about their lives.
Fiesta de escucha, 18 de diciembre en Edison / Listening Party, December 18 at Edison
POP-UP ADVENTURE PLAYGROUND
At the Pop-Up Adventure Playground, neighbors of all ages were invited to work together to transform an empty lot into an urban oasis of connection, creativity, and child-directed play.
October 21, 2018, 1-4pm, Lot at 2018 19th Street
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT LUNCHEON
A collaborative event for Pico neighborhood community organizations who are currently involved in civic engagement and social projects supporting African-American youth, culture and achievement, past and present.
November 17, 2018, 11:30am-1:30pm, Virginia Avenue Park - Thelma Terry Room
MY COMMUNITY KITCHEN
My Community Kitchen (MCK) is a neighborhood gathering that promotes community connections through "good old fashion fun". 
Click the link here to see the Pico Community Cookbook: A Taste of Pico.
December 15, 2018, 2pm, Virginia Avenue Park – Thelma Terry Room
CANASTAS DE FLORES DE PAPEL PERIÓDICO: UNA SERIE DE TALLERES
Se realizarán una serie de talleres para gente de la tercera edad en los que se elaborarán canastas de papel periódico.
Los viernes 28 de septiembre hasta el 16 de noviembre (el 2 de noviembre se cancela) en el parque Virginia – Patio Room, 6-7pm
Fridays, September 28 through November 16 (November 2 cancelled) in Virginia Avenue Park Patio Room, 6-7pm.
CLASES DE COCINA SALUDABLE EN EL MERCADO DE AGRICULTORES
Una serie de talleres que compartirán recetas simples y saludables para alentar las conexiones de la comunidad para niños, adolescentes y padres.
Los sábados 29 de septiembre, 27 de octubre, 10 7 24 de noviembre y 1 de diciembre en parque Virginia, 11am-12pm
Saturdays September 29, October 27, November 10 and 24 and December 1 in Virginia Avenue Park, 11am-12pm.
BAJANDO EL ESTRÉS MIENTRAS APRENDIENDO A TEJER
A series of knitting classes emphasizing stress relief through manual activities for residents of the Pico neighborhood.
Los jueves 27 de septiembre hasta el 25 de octubre de 2018 en el parque Virginia - Annex, 6:30-8pm
Thursdays September 27 through October 25, 2018 in Virginia Avenue Park’s Annex room, 6:30-8pm.
LATINX/ETHIOPIAN COMMUNITY WORKSHOPS
A set of workshops that bring together the Latinx and Ethiopian communities in the Pico neighborhood to discuss shared experiences and challenges.