ABOUT THE R.I.G.H.T. COMMITTEE

The R.I.G.H.T. Committee (Resident Improving Goodyear Heights Together) is a true asset to our neighborhood, providing seasonal programming for neighborhood children, providing a forum for residents to express their concerns and ask questions, and advocating for the neighborhood, to ensure we obtain the city services we deserve.

Many years ago, a loose-knit neighborhood group known as the Goodyear Heights Citizens Council performed a similar role, but that group eventually disbanded as the neighborhood leadership grew older and meeting attendance slipped over the years. In 1997, a new group known as the R.I.G.H.T. Committee, was founded by Greenleaf Family Services through the FAST program at Seiberling School. Current president Sharon Connor joined the group two years later and has worked with members to build it into a strong force for community advocacy - becoming an official 501(c)3 non-profit in 2001.

Since then, the committee has continued to provide a leadership role for the neighborhood and worked tirelessly to enhance the quality of life for residents. Yearly events like Easter Egg hunts, Trick or Treat nights, Plant Sales and neighborhood walking tours are just some of the popular activities that the group has organized. Besides serving as a valuable source of neighborhood information, R.I.G.H.T. helps connect residents to one another and to the greater Akron community at large. At least 2,000 newsletters are distributed six times a year, providing details on monthly meetings, community dinners, tax return assistance and more.

Recently, the group was awarded a grant to build 10 outdoor “little libraries” that will be placed throughout Goodyear Heights. Other notable projects included the large mural commissioned for the side of the Linda Theater (a neighborhood and city landmark) and the Gazebo constructed at the park at Pioneer Street and Goodyear Boulevard. This past summer, copies of works featured in the Akron Art Museum appeared at many locations throughout the Heights as R.I.G.H.T. served as a community partner for the museum's "Inside Out" Project.

Monthly meeting are held on the last Tuesday of every month, at the Reservoir Park Community Room. R.I.G.H.T. Committee information may be found by contacting Connor at (330) 784-6623 and sconnor1@neo.rr.com or by visiting www.rightcommittee.org.