Call Issued for Communities to Hold Workshops

Press Release

INDIANAPOLIS—The Bowen Center for Public Affairs at Ball State University, the Indiana Humanities Council, and several statewide partners are seeking applications for a second series of community workshops, designed to help regions in Indiana address their most challenging concerns. The deadline to submit a letter of interest is Dec. 15.

The Bowen Center for Public Affairs and the Indiana Humanities Council will work with local partners to:

-Convene regional conversations among community leaders and citizens from public, private and non-profit sectors to address major challenges facing communities.

-Evaluate possible solutions for addressing community challenges and discuss best practices.

-Provide regions with access to resources, technology, and expertise in the creation of solutions to regional problems.

-Provide ongoing consultation.

“These workshops will present the latest insights into developing competitive community strategies through collaboration, open dialogue, well-leveraged human capital, cultural assets, and a shared vision for the region across public, private, and non-profit sectors,” said Keira Amstutz, president and CEO of the Indiana Humanities Council. “Recognizing the importance of action as well as vision, the agenda will be tailored to each community’s needs and designed to bring communities into an open civic dialogue.”

The workshops are typically a day-long meeting, beginning in the morning and concluding in mid-afternoon. A nominal fee will be charged to participants to cover the cost of meals and materials. The cost of the speakers, planning and promotion will be covered by the Bowen Center for Public Affairs, the Indiana Humanities Council and event sponsors. After the workshops, the Bowen Center for Public Affairs will provide additional consultation as needed.

In addition, these partners have agreed to lend their expertise and support as a part of this program:

-Indiana Chamber of Commerce

-Association of Indiana Counties

-Indiana Association of Cities and Towns

-Inside INdiana Business with Gerry Dick

-Indiana Grantmakers Alliance

-Indiana Association for Community Economic Development

-Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs

-Jeffersonville Chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People

“Difficult economic times like these create a unique challenge for cities, towns, counties and regions,” said Dr. Sally Jo Vasicko, co-director of the Bowen Center for Public Affairs. “On the one hand, regions must find new and creative ways to set themselves apart as vibrant places to live, work, play and do business; on the other hand, they have a harder time finding the resources needed to pursue those new ideas. We want to help.”

Communities can create a customized program from the following menu of issues:

Green Agenda/Sustainability—Cities, towns and counties are eager to do their part to conserve energy and promote environmental sustainability. The focus will be on exploring the elements of a cost-effective green agenda and sharing strategies on developing environmental sustainability plans.

Community/Economic Development—Affordable housing, rejuvenated commercial corridors, new jobs—these are important priorities for cities, towns, and counties. We will look at new tools available to communities and show how they can be used to make a difference in the quality of life and the quality of place in Indiana’s communities and regions.

Arts and Culture as a Community Development Strategy—Many cities and towns have learned that enhancing their arts and cultural environment not only can make a big difference in how residents feel about their communities, but also can affect economic development and education. The focus will be on how cities and towns have created, funded, and implemented an arts-and-culture strategy and how it can be replicated in communities across Indiana.

The Future of Governing—The Indiana General Assembly in the last several sessions has considered government restructuring proposals both in individual counties and statewide. Tax restructuring has impacted cities, towns, and counties profoundly. We will help communities engage in a dialogue about these proposed changes and explore best practices in governing.

Twenty-First Century Learning Strategies—Communities across Indiana are looking for new ways to strengthen public education. Innovative new developments in education reform will be explored and discussions will focus on ways cities, towns, and counties can become more involved in promoting learning strategies to equip students and workers for the challenges of the 21st century.

Rural/Urban Connections—Communities throughout Indiana are struggling with various issues that impact their citizens such as intergenerational relations, family and quality of life concerns, and defining community identity. Rural/urban connections will be explored to determine how they can lead to building not only better relations between urban and rural entities but link the planning process to a regional perspective that recognizes both the rural and urban assets.

Regions must submit a letter of interest by Dec. 15 to Dr. Sally Jo Vasicko at svasicko@bsu.edu or:

Dr. Sally Jo Vasicko, Co-Director

Bowen Center for Public Affairs

Ball State University

Muncie, IN 47306

Include the following:

· Name and contact information of lead community partner.

· Definition of region and list of top workshop partners. (It is helpful to have a broad range of community organizations who will play a role in the planning and implementation process.)

· Selection of issue/issues from the above menu.

· Three potential dates from March 15, 2010 through October 31, 2010.

· Follow-up meeting strategy and name of contact person for following up.

Up to eight regions will be selected and notified by the end of February, 2010.

Visit www.bsu.edu/bowencenter for more information, or contact Vasicko at 765.285.8982.

In 2009, four Indiana regions were selected to participate in a customized community workshop aimed at helping the community build on its strengths and meet its challenges. Those included:

Southwest Indiana counties. A two-day workshop focused on local government reform was held in Jasper on March 9 and Evansville on March 10.
Southeastern/South Central Indiana counties. A workshop on community and economic development was held April 7 in Greensburg.
East Central Indiana counties. A workshop on community and economic development was held on June 25 at Ivy Tech Community College—Marion campus.
Elkhart County. A workshop on Nov. 11 featured presentations and discussions about improving Elkhart County's educational system, and its quality of place.

“These workshops are so beneficial because they bring people together for meaningful dialogue and ideation,” said Sally DeVoe, executive director of the Madison County Community Foundation. “Our multi-county community forum was an example of how well it can work. Bringing economic development, business, and community experts together to serve on panels and facilitate conversations was an ideal vehicle for discussion on regional economic growth and collaboration. Only by understanding that we are all ‘in this together’ can we hope to bolster each other’s efforts to improve quality of life, drive economic expansion and promote cooperation with our neighbors.”

About the Indiana Humanities Council

The Indiana Humanities Council connects people, opens minds and enriches lives by creating and facilitating programs that encourage people to think, read and talk. As a convener, leader and partner, the Council promotes the public humanities and engages Indiana’s community of minds to create stronger, more vibrant communities. Learn more at www.indianahumanities.org.

About the Bowen Center for Public Affairs

The Bowen Center for Public Affairs at Ball State University advances the ideals of civic literacy, community involvement, and public service exemplified by the career of Dr. Otis R. Bowen. The Center leads the way in Indiana toward an energized citizenry and vital community life. Learn more at www.bsu.edu/bowencenter.

Source: Bowen Center for Public Affairs