ITGA Conference Bridges Students and Community

In college towns, locals are often in conflict with school officials and students.  An organization dedicated to eliminating such conflict holds its annual conference this week in Richmond.  

Kim Griffo, who’s executive director of the International Town and Gown Association, sees a lot of friction between students and their neighbors.  In such cases, she says bringing students and residents into the same room is key.

“We get the students at the table with the neighbors. Get them to where they make eye contact with `em, and so they know they’re all part of the same neighborhood and they’re sharing that space.”

Griffo says her organization also builds collaborations between colleges and the neighboring communities on projects that build the economy.  The conference runs through Friday.