Retreat Session Outcomes
Hosted at MacLeod Barn Abbey, New Harmony, IN
Date: February 5, 2025
Total Participants
Participant Demographics
We actively and intentionally engage people with diverse perspectives and experiences to ensure that ALL voices are heard in addressing the pressing needs of today and building a collective preferred vision for tomorrow. Demographic data are collected from participants and compared to publicly available data for the region to ensure the sample population accurately represents our community.
Hover over the graph icon in the top left corner of each section to compare VOICE data to public data.
Passions
In this exercise we asked participants what they are positive or passionate about. Diverse participants have many different passions, but there are common themes.
Click a word/phrase in the word cloud below to see the direct quotes of participants’ passions connected to that theme.
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In this exercise we asked participants, considering our region’s history, what aspects they would want to carry forward into a preferred future.
Click a word/phrase in the word cloud below to see the direct quotes from participants connected to that theme.
Leave Behind
In this exercise we asked participants, considering our region’s history, what aspects they would want to leave behind (NOT carry forward) into a preferred future.
Click a word/phrase in the word cloud below to see the direct quotes from participants connected to that theme.
Visions
In this exercise we had participants draw in a group and then individually write and speak their vision of a preferred future for our region. These themes are summaries of what was said.
Use the filter button to view data by different demographic groups. Select a major theme in the visual below to see the minor themes included in it and the direct quotes from participants connected to that theme.
Group 1 Visions
| Improved public transportation, bridging religion gaps by encouraging multi religion solutions, Encourage industries that provide green energy to come to our are to manufacture materials, Targeted curriculum for learners targeted for the learners learning style, Implementation of NPRA standards and research ideas for our local green spaces and park services. |
| Transition our lazy, unhealthy, inactive community into a active, healthy group of people.Enabled by more consistent availability of healthy food choices and by reducing /removing the over abundance of unhealthy food. Technology and connectivity access for all. Key enabler for equitable learning and business. |
| We have zero traffic deaths, because our roads and streets and speed limits are designed for people, not just for cars. Cancer as we know it is a thing of the past, because of medical research and equitable access to early diagnosis and care. Adults with disabilities have affordable housing and support services that actually match their needs. People who can work for a living wage. |
| Affordable housing for everyone. More emphasis on health and nutrition with a focus on farm to table with community gardens. Life changing medication development to beat cancer. Affordable healthcare for all. |
| Affordable healthcare for all. Equity over equality. Affordable housing for all incomes. playgrounds and parks for people that are differently abled. Help and aid for families affected by foster care, autism, down syndrome, etc. |
| Ideally I want to live in a community with a strong desire to learn and grow to teach one another without limits. Exposing everyone to healthy experiences that challenge negative concepts. Community events that provide opportunities for all people to have meaningful connections in intentional ways. |
Group 2 Visions
| More Clean parks |
| Mesker Amphitheater revitalized, people using trails, outdoor patio seating all along main street, reasonably priced concerts, Festivals, winter activities , outdoor activities |
| I dream of a more inclusive community for students with special needs-specifically a day care/school for students with ASP-where they would receive a free education but also learn valuable life skills: how to manage money, hold a job, etc. Sports should also be offered so other parents can bond, form friendships and have the experience of being a “baseball mom”. Siblings would receive free therapy of carrying the weight of being a glass sibling. * 2025 -1 in 36 kids diagnosed. What will numbers be in 2040, 2050, 2060? |
| More clean parks, safe roads/safe public transportation, affordable healthcare, IRACS, well paid teachers, sustainability, affordable housing. |
| More inclusion in school/communities. Better healthcare for all. Cleaner parks. No light on Lloyd expressway. |
| Developed riverfront, sustainable clean energy-better environment, no pot holes/better roads, affordable housing |
Group 3 Visions
| Affordable housing is the main issue in Evansville. Owning homes and land will drive away these companies that are buying profits and making rent unaffordable. We could rebuild old homes faster and help people in Evansville, reduce lead poison and our youth will have better homes for better futures. 1st time home buyers regardless of race or credit. No evictions in 5 yrs, top security of 3 yrs, loans affordable to support debt to income ratio. |
| Affordable housing- teach high schoolers about budget, how to pay bills, loans, etc. |
| Affordable healthcare for all ages. Affordable housing 1st time buyers. Financial literacy in high school courses. Teach the youth about banking, credit, taxes, cost of living, etc. Activity- play are. Helping hands- how can we help all of our community, no matter what income. Nature in the city. |
| A community focused on working together to fix long standing issues. Opening promote positivity and inspire PEACE for all. To look to the future with humility, hope and healthy sense of humor. |
| If I moved away tomorrow, and came back for the first time in 15-20 years, I would hope to see a dramatic differences in the region’s quality of place. I’d hope to hear stories of how the public and especially private philanthropic sectors took this wealth of VOICE data and have created new amenities- innovative green space with up kept parks and trail connections, sustainable and efficient public transit, adaptive reuse in residential/commercial to create quality, etc. The biggest problem this region faces is how terribly we think of ourselves. What if more people were empowered to move from complainers to problem-solvers< Could we achieve these things? |
Group 4 Visions
| Riverfront park (handicap accessible), schools with teachers to like to teach, Family values with happy children, freedom of religion without prejudices, more options for mass transit, Increase entertainment venues, affordable health care. |
| Comedy club, festivals with live entertainment, walking trails (safe), more personal finance and home economics courses. |
| Community resources centers and education access- help parents etc., develop skill age GED programs, food pantry, access to technology. Healthcare clinics in more schools (therapy, pharmacy, dental, vision). Locally owned businesses, active community (sports, trails, swimming). Kids/teens outside. Technology of purpose. Green spaces like New York (elevated gardens). Schools focused on developing students based on pathways based on their voices-mentors. Opportunities and exposure to new experiences. Stronger art community. More social events for all. Singles friendly. Everyone exemplifies pride in the community and ownership. |
| A diverse, thriving, vibrant community where all are welcome and all can succeed. Balanced access to education , services, jobs, recreation and entertainment. Connectivity between different groups of all types. A strong and inclusive job market with full employment at living wages. A mix of affordable housing options. Dignity, inclusion. Everyone feels welcome and valued. A MAGNET for humans and a net exporter of ideas for others. |
| Healthy people-affordable and accessible care. Accessible community, resource abundant. Differences, not division-accepting of uniques qualities. Servant hearts, neighborly love, eventful-FREE events, activities, admissions (sponsored), creating a sense of pride, love, and desire to invest. Building ( trade, college HS, elementary, middle, GED, etc.) up education/schools-give tools, time, money, resources, and people. |
| My vision includes walking distance green spaces for every neighborhood. Reliable public transportation and safe and efficient roads. Affordable housing in redeveloped neighborhoods. Neighbors know each other and it’s not uncommon to get a knock on the door. There are more programs that work intergenerationally connecting youth and our elders. Community feels natural and not like a forced event where people come in from outside the neighborhood and tell you what you’re doing wrong. There are no food deserts. Everyone has access to a quality grocery store. |
Architect’s Drawing
This drawing summarizes visions from all groups! Thank you to Dempson Haney of Hafer!
