Retreat Session Outcomes
Hosted at MacLeod Barn Abbey, New Harmony, IN
Date: October 23, 2024
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.
Carry Forward
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.
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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
- Youth age 13 and older have a safe space to hang out, they are encouraged to be anything. There are more concrete spaces turned into green spaces. There are outdoor venues with music and murals that blend families together. The city will have schools dedicated to specific professions. The citizens are seen as individuals and programs and services meet those needs.
- adoption support center created as the adoption hub of southern indiana and kentucky, eliminating education inequities and providing tech upgrades and stem resources to all schools, top pay for educatiors, southern indiana being the state’s top quadrant of salary opportunity, revitilization of downtown EVV, including new business corp headquarters and job opportunities, easy travel system for the elderly and separate updated travel for all including city wide connected walking paths, totally remodeled river front with outdoor ampitheatre, new parks and ADA compliant parks/playgrounds, affordable housing in all neighborhoods.
- free arts opportunities, affordable healthcare and access, transportation and access for all, safe schools and accessible playgrounds, improved recycling, thribing volunteerism and engagement
- i envision a more welcoming community where there is a sense of belonging, children inspired by adults that are role models, education is prioritized in immigrant households, children believe in their potential because adults set examples, there are more community events to bring people together
- People and are of center city, no homeless, remodel homes and multi use buildings, trains in school or financial security are made to work for everyone
- people centered through volunteerism, faith forward, better school fund educations (what we spend is much per pupil), family values four, education, work ethic, responsibility, accountability, honesty, faith, you better stand on something or you fall for anything, volunteerism, lots of people doing/participating in small things go a long way, food collection, community
Group 2 Visions
- equitable education, free/affordable equitable healthcare, free/affordable family activities, community activities, everyone has someone
- more progressiveness across the community. more mentors and resources for the youth. increasing support for schools as that will improve the youth. more entertainment for families and youth sponsored by local businesses. affordable entertainment. get youth involved in culture. equal housing opportunities. if we can get diversity in youth, we can grow in the future
- every child needs someone to protect them. Our schools should feel safe and secure for all. Free entertainment for families
- i would like to see free healthcare for all citizens, every youth to be granted a mentor or at least have a community of volunteers to donate their time to pour positivity and accountability into the youth, also have a variety of demographics for the mentors so every youth culture would be represented
- opportunities that young generations co-exist with older generations to share knowledge. Preserve the stories of history while providing companionship. Better food options of quality in schools, groceries, etc. (get chemicals out of food) More outside activities for kids. Reduce technology addictions. More to do than the same events on Main & Franklin with the same people. More open social groups vs. the same influential people. More events for people with disabilities.
- schools with a culture where kids are determined, motivated, and filled with purpose every day. kids have community and show up with purpose. a mentor for all students, lowered class sizes, counselling classes, real world experience, a built up riverfront, increased jobs, lots of people, all the time high speed transportation to louisville, indy, nashville.
Group 3 Visions
- beautiful, inspiring architecture, fine arts are given more funding and emphasis, all classes represented in all neighborhoods, solar/geothermal/reusable energy is used, all kids are welcome in school, more green spaces/plants/gardens, jobs available, good/solid roads, more connection between evansville and henderson
- strong connection between henderson and EVV even across river, improve homelessness, renewable energy, teamwork between rural and city areas
- an inclusive community where multiple cultures collectively agree on the future. No bureaucracy, political division, or violence. An empathetic society
- increased amount of green space, walking and bicycle trails connecting different areas of the community. Well kept homes, businesses, and public buildings. Better built roads that require less maintenance. New and improved schools with current safety and security technology. School districts that make sense. Schools and hospitals are fully staffed. Mental health is easily accepted and available for children and adults. Employment is plentiful and unemployment is extremely low. Youth are back to making personal connections.
- opportunity for employment. there are options for all when it comes to employment. our community holds importance of faith and love. we drive home the importance of inclusion and acceptance of differences. education is free, water and food are pure and natural, which help to eliminate sickness. we have built bridges to gain access to other communities for trade. we keep as much of our own resources as needed but trade for outside resources. overall, we have a loving, educated, and healthy community.
- our region is thriving economically, having enough doctors and teachers to cover all the needs. public transportation accessible for all parts of the region, green energy with low costs, more companies opening their offices or manufacturing locations in the are. The immigrants are welcome and have resources to help them to start their life in the are. No south side segregation, everyone has equal opportunity for jobs, healthcare, education
Group 4 Visions
- education: mandatory SEL classes, equal opportunity for success, mandated trauma informed care/unconscious bias training
- free education, financial equity, money out of politics
- positive environment, kids outside playing, great school, freedom
- good jobs, good schools, good healthcare, good housing, good fun.
- people, regardless of background, share equal access to available opportunities that help them develop their talents, experiences, and strengths. for their own family/prosperity as well as the community’s well-being and where the contributions of all are acknowledged, celebrated, and leveraged for the benefit of all.
- quality housing, safe neighborhoods where neighbors enjoy each other, quality senior care, community network where resources are easily navigator for those who need them (mental health, addiction recovery, education assistance)
Architect’s Drawing
This drawing summarizes visions from all groups! Thank you to Dempson Haney of Hafer!
