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Community Engagement Initiative

The Community Engagement Initiative (2015-2018), funded through the Kansas Health Foundation, brought together residents from across Allen County to engage in meaningful, in-depth conversations about our challenges, our resources, and our aspirations for our community.

After much discussion, participants chose six priorities for healthier community focus:

  1. Employment and Business Development
  2. Public Safety
  3. Safe and Clean Green Spaces
  4. Complete Streets
  5. Opportunities for Physical Activity
  6. Student Achievement

Residents developed a Community Action Plan, and immediately began to implement elements of that plan.

Here are some of the projects, initiatives, and accomplishments from the Community Engagement Initiative process:

Lessons learned through the Community Engagement Initiative:

  • Listen: Community Conversations are a Must — This is the space you give your residents to be the leaders and definers of the place that they live, work, play and pray. Ask them what THEY think makes their community a healthier place to be. Check the statistics at the door and open the room up for real grassroots initiatives. Residents have a voice that can change the environment that they live in. Empower them. And expect to be surprised.
  • Be Fearless: For every idea or dream for change, there are many reasons why they can’t happen. Don’t believe it. Address the fears or concerns. Throw them all out on the table and then figure out a few ways that will overcome them. If it is unforeseen, don’t call it in obstacle, call it an opportunity. What are you willing to lose, to still win?
  • Pass on the Power: As a community liaison, it is your responsibility to be the facilitator, trainer, relationship builder, area expert, capacity builder, resource connector, etc. But not forever. Start from the beginning collecting a list of everyone you meet that is involved with the community work, how to get in touch with them and what their talent is. Talent is defined in many ways. Maybe it is social media guru, painter, builder, grant writer, heavy machine operator, baker, has a lot of children and likes to do things as a family. Anyone that expresses interest is part of it and by growing this capacity, you grow power. By passing on responsibility, you cultivate more leaders in your community. They say the words.
  • Everyone Plays a Part: Resident-led initiatives will lead to Policy, Systems, and Environmental changes that will create sustainability. To reach success, you will need those residents on the ground working, the decision-makers to work with you, and your earned media to get the story out. Make sure everyone knows the story and there is space to celebrate those successes.

Learn More: Community Engagement Initiative Presentation

Community Engagement Initiative Photos

  • Mildred Storm Shelter

  • LaHarpe Cleanup

  • Humboldt Building Before and After

  • Storm Siren Installation

  • Bike Share

  • CEI: LaHarpe Playground Ribbon Cutting

    LaHarpe Playground Ribbon Cutting

  • LaHarpe Playground

  • 54 Fitness Ribbon Cutting Event

    54 Fitness Ribbon Cutting

  • Advocating for Complete Streets

  • Tech Center Open House

  • Open Use Agreement

  • King of Trails Bridge