BRO: In a nutshell, what is Buffalo 180?
Sara Emhof (Founder): A three year Extreme Makeover for the City. Buffalo 180 will “turn the city around” with community projects and events that celebrate our past and build the future. All inspired by Buffalo’s 180th anniversary in 2012. What better birthday present could we offer the City?
BRO: A lot of people say that there are so many activist groups out there doing work in the city, what makes Buffalo 180 so unique and different?
Sara: There are a lot of great groups out there and we look forward to promoting what they are doing. Think of it this way, if Buffalo’s future was a house, each of these groups are providing a material that will make the house strong and appealing. Buffalo 180 will invite the community to design and build the “house” that will be the legacy left by our parents and the home to younger generations.
BRO: Did the idea for Buffalo 180 come from the efforts that you have worked on in other cities?
Sara: Buffalo 180 was inspired by other anniversary efforts including Pittsburgh and Oregon. Last year, I saw first hand the positive press and community engagement Pittsburgh was able to create through its 250th anniversary. It immediately got me thinking, when is Buffalo’s next big anniversary? The 180th was timely and incredibly symbolic.
BRO: How does one get involved?
Sara: Take the Buffalo 180 survey! www.buffalo180.sparkable.com and pass it on to your friends, coworkers, family. Our first step is to find out what people think about Buffalo’s past and its future.
We are also seeking 180 individuals,groups and businesses to become Founding members of the 180 commission. This commission will help us lead the initiative. Friends from out of town have invested and some are investing as a sports team or other group. Investment begins at $180! A pretty cool Christmas gift to give too!
BRO: Where do you see this group in five years?
Sara: Well in five years it will be 2014 and our 180th anniversary will be part of our past. Time and our success will determine if there is still a need for a “turn around”.
BRO: Since moving back to Buffalo what have you like most?
Sara: Most? The history and the potential. If you look beyond the surface our neighborhoods, they are aching to be reborn and looking to young people to take the reigns.
BRO: Is Buffalo 180 an offshoot of another organization called Indaba Leaders, another group that you founded?
Sara: Indaba Leaders is my own next generation leadership company. I have been coaching students to create positive change in their community and their personal lives for over 10 years. Now it’s my turn to apply the process and create positive change in my community. Buffalo 180 is that project. But, I’m sure my young leaders will help me along the way.
BRO: Are there websites for these groups?
Sara: Indaba Leaders www.indabaleaders.com
The Buffalo 180 site is in progress. We will be releasing the results of the survey on our website in January.
Buffalo 180 is an initiative of the non-profit Wellness Institute of Greater Buffalo