a community of neighbors

What is Village 401?

Village 401 is an initiative of Greensboro College to connect the College with its neighbors through meaningful and purposeful outreach programs within the ZIP code 27401.

Greensboro College has the unique distinction of being located in downtown Greensboro - a center of finance, commerce, government, culture, health and human services and a vibrant residential and shopping area. A blend of historic sites and neighborhoods, public housing, public schools, childcare services, faith-based organizations, arts and cultural centers, and parks and sports facilities provides diverse opportunities for collaborative programs.

Working closely with businesses, schools, agencies and organizations in Village 401 provides opportunities for students, faculty and staff to assist and learn from a large urban community as it meets some of its challenges. Participating in Village 401 initiatives enhances the students' liberal arts education through service and community involvement.

When Was It Founded?

The idea for developing ways to tie the College to the community as defined by ZIP code 27401 began in the spring of 2001. During this time, census data on population, race distribution, per capita income, median income and age were collected and compared among the nine ZIP codes of Greensboro. In addition, all properties other than individual residences were identified and an inventory of nonprofit organizations was assembled.

After the collection of these data, a focus group of stakeholders and members of Greensboro College faculty, students and administrative staff was polled to determine the feasibility of such an initiative.

Based on the information generated from the focus group and on the advice of a College advisory committee, an inventory of all students, faculty and administrative staff was conducted to assess the level of involvement in the area identified as Village 401.

Finally, over the summer of 2001, interviews were conducted with 27 of the leading stakeholders within ZIP code 27401.

Does Village 401 Have a Vision?

Yes, a Village 401 vision statement was developed based on the mission statement of Greensboro College and on the commitment of the College to promote the concept of a community of neighbors:

Through Village 401, Greensboro College, concordant with the social principles of Methodism, will become a partner to schools, health and human agencies, faith communities, governments, institutions, businesses, nonprofit organizations and communities defined by ZIP code 27401 so that we may collectively live, learn and work in a spirit of acceptance, inclusiveness, respect and greater support of one another.

Does Village 401 Have Goals?

Yes. The goals were developed based on data collected through surveys on campus and through interviews of stakeholders in ZIP code 27401.

Village 401 envisions:

• Issues affecting entities individually and collectively within Village 401

• A plan of shared objectives that address the needs of Village 401

• An environment for continuing an open dialogue related to issues affecting the Village

• Opportunities for students to be involved in the community to better prepare them for service and leadership.

Village 401 and You!

Several clubs, organizations and academic programs have requested sites within Village 401 for students, faculty and staff to get involved with service and learning opportunities. Please contact Village 401 Coordinator Valarie Ditto by e-mail at vditto@gborocollege.edu or by telephone at 272-7102 ext. 644.

Americorps VISTA, NC Campus Compact
Village 401
Greensboro College
815 West Market Street
Greensboro, NC 27401