Conversation themes: let’s do something together

Several months ago I offered an open invitation to join a community conversation – small groups of people that provide a forum to share aspirations and observations about the community in which we live and the one in which we want to live.  About 100 people across the community did just that, representing every county zip code and ranging in age from 16 to over 75 with annual household incomes under $20,000 to over $100,000.

Here’s the greatest “aha” – the conversation themes were nearly identical across all sectors. What do people want? “This community needs to work on building pride, creating real connection within and instilling hope for quality of life,” one participant summarized. Across the board sense of connection and community pride were raised first and foremost. Not surprisingly for those of us who have called Madison County home for most of our lives is the continuing tension around not being what we used to be and wondering if we can rebuild into something that provides a sense of community again.

The difference between conversations and most public forums is that the focus is not on what an organization or official leader proposes to do, but on understanding what the community wants in order to respond in ways that address those concerns. In fact, every conversation also uncovered a broad understanding that these issues belonged to everyone and there is desire to take personal ownership, although most are not quite sure how.

We learned that there is a desire for our community to look good – expressed in concerns about run down parks and abandoned properties and homes. There is also a desire for places and opportunities to connect – parks, events and family activities. Sure, education and jobs were mentioned, but in the context of adding to security and the creation of a “self supporting community.” We also heard a strong underlying frustration with traditional leadership – individuals and organizations.

Now what? First, we are developing ways to keep conversations going that will include further opportunities for those who have participated and to bring in new voices. Next, we are using the conversation themes to inform our community strategies to address financial stability, but we will also use this process to inform the way we work in education and health strategies.  Key to understanding strategy development is to stop thinking only in terms of developing and delivering programs. Strategies might include creation of cooperatives, hosting volunteer opportunities, suggesting ways that businesses and other entities can change practices and so on.

We already know that there is a great need to increase connections to existing opportunities and that this requires more than printing a directory or increasing promotional activities. We will be looking at how services connect with one another, how, where and when they are delivered. “We” refers to United Way’s Safety Net Vision Council, an informal group of individuals that includes public and nonprofit service providers, business people, and anyone interested in creating more financial stability in Madison County – which is the only requirement to join.