Old Oak Cliff Conservation League to host neighborhood symposium Saturday

On Saturday, the Old Oak Cliff Conservation League is hosting a symposium at Turner House and will distribute grants to neighborhood groups for area improvements.
Last year, OOCCL distributed more than $20,000 in money raised from the Tour of Homes and other events. This year the group plans to hand out more.
Michael Amonett, the gay president of OOCCL, emphasized this is not a gay event, even though most of the 30 neighborhood organizations are headed by members of the LGBT community. He insisted the event is for everyone in Oak Cliff.
“Really,” he said. “We just all work together so well over here. … Really.”
He said representatives from the city, local arts organizations and community activist organizations will be on hand. Neighborhood projects that the organization will consider for funding include signage, security, web design and landscaping in parks and medians or other public areas.
Amonett said they will address topics including graffiti, animal control, researching the history of your home, organizing a neighborhood, achieving 501(c)(3) status. There will be information on area parks, community gardening, the better block initiative and local arts programs. The graffiti task force was started by City Councilwoman Delia Jasso.
The cost is $5 for OOCCL members and $20 for non-members. Lunch will be served.
He said that others from around the city may attend, but the money OOCCL distributes will stay in Oak Cliff. People from around the city may be interested in attending to learn how the city’s oldest and most successful collection of neighborhood groups works together. (Here’s one clue — the gay is a really important part of it, but the straight has been a huge contributor, too).