In March 2023, One Valley, Inc. re-started a monthly series of Community Conversations, originally started by Tom Cain and Rev. Carroll Carter in 2004 and lasting through 2016.

The goal of the meetings is to give voice to the people of NW Roanoke and to lead positive community actions. The 2023 monthly meetings have been held alternatively on the 3rd Tuesday and the 3rd Thursday of the month. The conversations have been held at St. Paul’s UNC at the corner of 5th and Gilmer Ave. NW from 6:30 – 8:00 pm. At least 53 different people have contributed to these conversations, with an average of 19 people attending at each meeting.

The speakers invited to encourage conversations have included Anita Price (topic), Pete Johnson, Jr. on “community abundance” and the thoughts of Wornie Reed (topic) presented by Rev. Carroll Carter.

The positive actions resulting from these meetings have included the addition of a new community trash receptacle, a “Meet Your Neighbors” event held at St. Paul’s on June 3rd, and a youth-oriented “Life Skills on the Lawn” scouting event held on St. Paul’s lawn on October 7th.

The group is in the process of developing three focus areas for small group discussion that include Food & Health Security, Creating a Healthy Environment, and Community Development.

The first three Community Conversations for 2024 are scheduled for Thursday, January 25th; Tuesday, February 27th; and Thursday, March 28th. All meetings will continue to occur at St. Paul’s UMC from 6:30-8:00 pm.