The Division Midway Alliance (DMA) is a place-based nonprofit dedicated to fostering social resilience and economic opportunities for the diverse communities in East Portland. This area of Portland is home to a vibrant mix of cultures, with more than 55% of the population being either low English proficient or bilingual. To better address the needs of its diverse residents, DMA conducted a Community Visioning Session. During this session, 109 community members from nine cultural groups—Afghan, Arabic, Burmese, Bhutanese, Chinese, Latinx, Somali, Pacific Islander, and Vietnamese—shared their feedback. Using a strength-based approach, DMA facilitated the session to focus on community assets and opportunities for growth. The feedback gathered resulted in the creation of the Cultural Liaison Model, which has become the foundation for DMA's long-term relationship-building efforts. This model ensures that DMA’s programming is culturally relevant, accessible, and responsive to the unique needs of immigrant and refugee communities. The insights from the session also led to the development of four new programs. One standout initiative is the Youth Led Cultural Conversation and Mural Art Project, which combines cultural expression with youth leadership development. This project brings together individuals with diverse identities, cultures, and geographic backgrounds, creating a space for them to exchange ideas and collaborate on building a more inclusive and welcoming community. This initiative highlights the potential of community-driven projects to foster not only social resiliency but also civic engagement, leadership development, and positive placemaking. It creates opportunities for intercultural dialogue and youth empowerment, demonstrating how grassroots efforts can drive meaningful change in diverse communities. Overall Description The Division Midway Alliance (DMA) is a nonprofit dedicated to fostering social resilience and economic opportunities for East Portland’s diverse communities, where over 55% of residents are bilingual or low English proficient. DMA’s Community Visioning Session engaged 109 community members from nine cultural groups to gather feedback. Using a strength-based approach, the session led to the creation of the Cultural Liaison Model, ensuring culturally relevant programming. One key initiative, the Youth-Led Cultural Conversation and Mural Art Project, empowers youth to explore cultural heritage through art and leadership. This community-driven project promotes social resilience, civic engagement, and youth
