Last October, Community Innovation Network kicked off their inaugural Foundations of Community Building Program. Foundations of Community Building is a year-long program that works with both institutions and community residents to change the status quo of community engagement. The long-term neighborhood-based approach of this program helps communities put residents' voice and deep relationships at the center of their community building work.
The 2018-19 cohort focused on University Circle and surrounding neighborhoods. Eleven members of University Circle institutions collaborated with eleven residents from surrounding communities to do a deep dive on trust and relationship building, Asset Based Community Development, Appreciative Inquiry, conflict management, and facilitating community conversations.
"Great strategies for working with communities and groups of people, specific enough to implement but general enough to apply to many settings. The real heart of the program is meeting and creating ongoing relationships with community leaders from many different perspectives" - Janice Gerda
"Now knowing what to expect, I discovered I was among a group of people from varied backgrounds and professions who shared my interest in making our respective communities a healthy, safe place to live. I realized that we shared the same concerns and challenges and therefore created a basis for shared solutions. It was a very rewarding experience and I'm thankful I attended." - Ross Cockfield
We look forward to kicking off next year's Foundations of Community Building Program! If you are interested in bringing this program to your community, please contact us for more information!