Virginia Statewide Neighborhood Conference:
Overview and History

While each neighborhood is unique, all face similar issues. From the basics of organizing and conducting meetings to finding resources for needed projects, everyone needs to have the skills to make a difference.” Estelle H. McCadden

In 2000, Ms. Estelle H. McCadden, a Roanoke, Virginia neighborhood activist and President of her neighborhood’s organization, the Melrose-Rugby Neighborhood Forum, Inc. became inspired to organize and create Virginia’s Statewide Neighborhood Conference. At the time, Ms. McCadden was also serving on the Board of Directors of Neighborhoods USA (NUSA), a national organization dedicated to developing partnerships between neighborhoods, local government, and public/private agencies across the United States. She continues to serve on the NUSA board today as the chair of the NUSA Board of Development Committee.

Ms. McCadden, with the assistance of Selena Cuffee-Glenn, who was Deputy Director of the Community Development Department in Richmond, Virginia at that time, brought together neighborhood leaders and professional staff from the cities of Norfolk, Richmond, Hampton, Roanoke, and James City County forming the first statewide planning committee that would create the first Virginia Statewide Neighborhood Conference, which would later become an annual event. Since that time, additional members have joined from Blacksburg, Charlottesville, Chesapeake, Chesterfield, Danville, Fairfax County, Lynchburg, Manassas, Prince William County, and Virginia Beach.

We welcome your participation at our annual Virginia Statewide Neighborhood Conferences that take place in various Virginia localities. A conference will occur over the course of three days, usually beginning on Thursday evening and ending Saturday afternoon. Neighborhood driven conference themes provide attendees with the opportunity to participate in information-packed workshops, listen to thought provoking speakers, view a host of exhibitions, and engage in unparalleled networking opportunities with hundreds of neighborhood advocates from across the Commonwealth of Virginia.

As we embark upon another conference, please join us as we work together in realizing that the future of Virginia lies in the success of our neighborhoods and in the faith of those who strengthen them.

“You see things that are and ask “Why.”
But I dream of things that never were and ask, “Why not.”
- George Bernard Shaw

For previous conference info, click below: