It is important for United Way of Hanock County and The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation to understand the issues facing our community. In order to achieve this goal, we are conducting “community conversations” throughout the Hancock County area. By gathering small groups of people who represent various groups in the community, we facilitate conversations that allow individuals to share their thoughts on where the community is and where it should be going.
These conversations are “kitchen table” style, meaning they are informal and encourage and openness to all opinions. Participants are welcome to offer their personal experiences and concerns, covering both the challenges they face and the aspirations they hold.
These conversations are led by community members, accompanied by note takers. United Way staff may also be in attendance, however, our role is only to observe and gather information. These conversations are a way for us to gain insight into the current state of the Hancock County community. We will use the information acquired from all conversations to address the work we conduct.
Please complete the registration form and we will get back to you soon. Thank you for your interest in improving lives in Hancock County.
United Way of Hancock County is currently scheduling groups to participate in community conversations as a part of its community assessment process. The information gathered at the community conversations will be used to determine the future scope of work of United Way of Hancock County.
These conversations are “kitchen table” style, meaning they are informal and encourage openness to all opinions. Participants are welcome to offer their personal experiences and concerns, covering both the challenges they face and the aspirations they hold.
Community conversations will be led by community members, accompanied by note takers. United Way or The Community Foundation staff may also be in attendance, however, their role is only to observe and gather information.
Community conversations can be held at a location chosen by the group. United Way meeting rooms are also available. Community conversations should include a space for 10 – 12 people to gather and face each other. The conversations last approximately 90 minutes and can be scheduled according to the group’s availability.
If a community group is interested in scheduling a community conversation, or to volunteer to be a facilitator or note taker, click here or contact Beverly Phillips, United Way’s community services director, at Beverly.phillips@uwhancock.org or call 419-423-1432.
Want to Volunteer? We need Community Conversation Facilitators and Note Takers
Conversation facilitators will lead small group conversations to assist us in gaining a stronger sense of people’s aspirations for the community, a window into their concerns and lives and create a way to develop or deepen partnerships with non-traditional groups. With this knowledge, United Way of Hancock County can be more effective, more relevant, better mobilize people around the issues and have a greater impact in the community. Facilitators will be accompanied by assigned note takers.
Training:
Facilitators will be trained on the Hardwood Institute community conversation process.Initial questions will be provided.
Time Frame:
This activity will take place throughout summer 2017. Conversations will not interfere with your workplace hours.
Time Commitment:
Meetings will be scheduled based on your personal availability. Conversations will last up to 90 minutes.
Skills Needed:
Must have group facilitator capabilities.
Must be able to work with diverse audiences.
Must be comfortable meeting with small groups in nontraditional locations.
Must be able to create an open, nonjudgmental environment.