Indiana’s “Community Conver
sation” series, a program to help evaluate an area’s assets and determine current and future needs, is coming to Johnson County. Over the past five years, more than 20 Indiana regions have participated in the series.
“This is an outstanding opportunity for us to bring in multiple resources and help us better identify our strengths and challenges,” said Dana Monson, Director of Business Development for the Johnson County Development Corporation, JCDC.
Aspire Johnson County, a community betterment initiative, applied for the program as part of its ongoing research and planning efforts. Aspire Johnson County, a program of JCDC, was one of four Indiana entities selected for the Community Conversation series.
Aspire will work with The Community Conversation partners to:
• Convene a regional conversation among community leaders and citizens from public, private and non-profit sectors.
• Evaluate possible solutions to address challenges and discuss best practices.
• Provide access to resources, technology and expertise in the creation of solutions to issues.
• Provide ongoing consultation.
More than a dozen communities applied to participate in the program. “While we wanted to help them all, these four communities really identified a specific need and had a plan to engage residents in thoughtful dialogue that could serve as a catalyst for change” said Keira Amstutz, president and CEO of Indiana Humanities.
Aspire Johnson County will announce details and dates, early next year, for The Community Conversation as details are finalized.
