A new online directory aims to give Detroit’s grassroots groups a higher profile.
The Detroit Community Organization Mapping project, or d[COM]munity map, went live in December.
It maps and profiles the city’s neighborhood associations, block clubs, and social service providers.
“What we see that doing is just providing greater awareness of the groups that are doing the work on the ground,” said Aaron Goodman, with the group Community Development Advocates of Detroit (CDAD). “We ask a lot of community-based groups here in the city of Detroit.”
Goodman says the idea is also to connect those groups with each other, and other entities, like government or non-profits, that might offer help.
CDAD is trying to get the word out, “but you don’t have to be a member to be on the d[COM]munity map,” Goodman said. “We’re just encouraging every group out there to get on the map.”
Groups can do that by filling out an online survey.
