How would you describe a thriving neighborhood? Earlier this year, Grassroots staff and board members met to strategically plan for what comes next for Grassroots. 

This question, “How would you describe a thriving neighborhood?” was asked to board members and staff. Sticky notes full of ideas, dreams, and descriptions from community conversations on what a thriving neighborhood looks like quickly filled up the wall. From there, sharing about why what was written was important took the floor. What was amazing is that every conversation went back to intentionally reaching out to the community, having community voices at the forefront, and creating spaces where the community truly felt and believed that those spaces were their own. 

After the session, Grassroots staff and board had the opportunity to reflect on the past and see how the work that has been done at Grassroots has helped reach the goal of developing thriving neighborhoods. This time also was used to think about future ways in which Grassroots could continue to work alongside community members to reach the vision of thriving neighborhoods. 

The above image is what came from the exercise at our strategic planning meeting this year. The words in green are how staff and board described a thriving neighborhood. The words in black are what Grassroots has done to contribute to getting closer to that vision. 

Now we want to hear from you. How would you describe a thriving neighborhood? How do you hope Grassroots continues to work alongside the community?