b'DAYTODAY ACROSS THE STREETBeth FisherA Walk in Their ShoesEducating your communities in creative waysE very September, Grand Rapids, Michigan,The final section of A Walk in Their Shoes hosts ArtPrize, an open, independently or- included MTMs future vision of housing: to have ganized, international art competition thatmore guests in housing than in shelters. ArtPrize celebrates artists from anywhere in the world,created unparalleled energy and excitement in our working in all mediums. Each artist who signs upcommunity this year. It provided a newfound works directlyunderstanding of the battle those experiencing with spaceshomelessness go through and a sense of urgency throughout thefor those who are not unsheltered to suit up and city to organizetake part in the fight. their unique ex- How can your organization continue to educate hibits. Publicand inspire your community to get involved? Photos courtesy of Mel Trotter Ministries parks, restau- 1.Think outside the box. Are there unique experi-rants, theaters,ences in your city that draw a large and diverse hotels, bridges,crowd, where you can offer educational laundromats,resources and perhaps even reach new donors? auto body shops, vacant store- 2.Identify possibilities. At what venuesfestivals, fronts, and officeconcerts, or street fairswhere attendees spaces join muse- wouldnt expect to see your organization can you ums and galleries in becoming ArtPrize venues.make a surprise appearance? Humans are much Mel Trotter Ministries (MTM) was an ArtPrizemore apt to receive conversation and informa-venue this year. A Walk in Their Shoes depictedtion when there is no perceived pressure. what its like to be homeless through re-creations3.Target where to invest time. Investigate the of different experiences of homelessness, includ- potential audience, historical attendance, and ing families living in cars, individuals sleeping onmake an ROI decision. Will the amount of park benches, hidden youth homelessness (i.e.,work equal the amount of impact? If not, Beth is a business leader whocouch surfing), and more. As exhibitors walkedkeep looking. has worked with over 900through the installation, they read information organizations to help implementand data regarding each situation. The staggering4.Make a game plan. Bring your A-game! We process improvement solutions.all have our standard marketing materials, She has just under 30 years ofnumbers (A single parent would have to work 77 experience in leadership, devel hours a week at minimum wage to afford a two- website copy, and informational materials. opment and change managebedroom apartment in this county; Every night,But if you are going to participate in a unique ment. She now serves as theexperience, use unique information. Now is chief advancement officer forroughly 200 youth are homeless in our commu-Mel Trotter Ministries. Contactnity) were meant to bring awareness to all thosethe time to go for shock and awe and make her at bethfisher@meltrotter.orgwho entered the exhibit.a lasting impression. \x03or www.fisherstrategic.com.56 WWW.CITYGATENETWORK.ORG NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022'