Anchor Institutions Task Force 10th Anniversary Conference – Oct 24

Posted by Anchor Institutions Task Force on May 7, 2019

The Anchor Institutions Task Force 10th Anniversary Conference will take place October 24-25, 2019. The conference will begin with an opening session on October 24th at 2:30 pm. On Friday, October 25th, sessions will open at 8:15 am and end at 4:00 pm. The closing reception will take place on October 25th from 4:15 pm to 6:15 pm.

What is an anchor institution?
The Anchor Institutions Task Force (AITF) is a growing network of over 700 leaders promoting the engagement of anchor institutions—including colleges, universities, hospitals, community foundations, libraries, arts institutions, and other anchors—in community and economic development. The AITF is designed to develop and disseminate knowledge and function as an advocacy and movement building organization to create and advance democratic, mutually beneficial anchor institution-community partnerships.

Anchor institutions are enduring organizations that are rooted in their localities. It is difficult for them to leave their surroundings even in the midst of substantial capital flight. The challenge to a growing movement is to encourage these stable local assets to harness their resources in order to address critical issues such as education, economic opportunity, and health. It is difficult to imagine fragile local economies and widening social disparities changing without leveraging stable institutions, especially amidst a decline in government resources. These dynamics have given rise to the concept “anchors” as agents of community and economic development.

Since 2009, the AITF has hosted annual conferences, produced several publications, created professional development affinity groups, and established international partnerships.

http://www.margainc.com/aitf-annual-conference/