Thriving neighborhoods are built through connection, participation, and engagement. But how do you turn that initial engagement into meaningful, ongoing progress? Led by Michael Fortunato, Ph.D., this workshop is focused on practical ways neighborhood associations can strengthen engagement and build momentum for local action.
Foellinger Foundation is pleased to partner with the City of Fort Wayne’s Department of Neighborhoods to offer this workshop. This partnership supports our shared goals of strengthening neighborhoods, empowering residents, and building resilient, connected communities. As part of this collaboration, Foellinger Foundation is coordinating the workshop and extending invitations directly to neighborhood leaders.
You’ll explore strategies for:
Broadening your neighborhood network beyond the first engagement
Understanding the skills, interests, and aspirations of people in your neighborhood and how they can contribute to strategic action
Measuring growth and effectiveness using simple evaluation techniques
And more
By the end of the workshop, you’ll be better equipped to turn connection into action and help foster a neighborhood culture where residents feel empowered to work together toward local progress.
Doors open at 5:00 PM. Dinner provided.
This workshop is by invitation only. RSVPs are required.
Who Should Attend?
We encourage neighborhood association leaders and others who are helping bring residents together and create positive change in their neighborhoods to attend this workshop.
Workshop Facilitator
Michael Fortunato, Ph.D.
Founding Partner, Creative Insight Community Development
Michael is a founding partner of Creative Insight Community Development (CICD), a consulting group that specializes in co-creating with communities and local organizations to take advantage of economic and community development opportunities, and to overcome local challenges in highly creative ways. CICD helps communities develop real solutions for real people using state-of-the-art ideas, research, and expertise grounded in community engagement. Michael received his Ph.D. in rural sociology and his master’s degree in community economic development from Penn State’s Agricultural Economics, Sociology, and Education Department. He specializes in community and economic development, local entrepreneurial ecosystems, and grassroots innovation strategies.
Contact Information
Have questions? Please contact Amanda Jamison, Chief Program Officer, at amanda@foellinger.org.