October 12 – 14, 2016 University of Iowa
Community Heart & Soul™How Storytelling Strengthens Rural Towns
Jason Neises, Community Development Coordinator, Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque
Alexis Halbert, Senior Associate of Programs, Orton Family Foundation
Menu- Community Heart & SoulTM
~ How & Why ~
- Storytelling & Placemaking
* Who is in your community? * What’s your story? * Stories create places
how do we keep our
somewhere from becoming
anywhere?
Image: Smart Growth America
Image: Baltimore Post Examiner
Less of this…
?
? ? ? ??
? ? ? ??
? ? ? ??neighbors
traditions
placesheritage culture
character
values
More
of this…
Involve everyoneFocus on what mattersPlay the long game
PRINCIPLES
www.orton.org
PHASES
Flickr: AZ Chaps
PRINCIPLE 1: INVOLVE EVERYONE
Who’s in your community?
PRINCIPLE 2: FOCUS ON WHAT MATTERS
I don’t know how.
too soft and fluffy.
storytelling? story listening?
I don’t have any good stories.
I’m not a storyteller
Storytelling
Why do you live where you live?
What makes that place special?
What concerns you about the
future?
What matters most to you about
your community?
In small groups, take turns sharing something personal to you about where you live.
If I look at the mass, I will never act.
If I look at the one, I will.
Mother Teresa
• Stories draw in new people• Story sharing reveals common values & builds relationships• Stories brings the community’s past and present to life
Story Circles Video/Audio Interview
Video Booth Neighborhood Conversations
Story Book
Hey! Storytelling really works!
STORYTELLING = DATA
Opportunities for EngagementPass the Mic
https://youtu.be/3juugB7mDsI
StoriesH&S
Statements ActionActive Outdoors/Environment
We value being an active, healthy
community that appreciates the outdoors and our connection to the natural
environment.
We value Clear Creek as a Heart & Soul element of Golden and will actively
preserve and enhance its character for future generations.
PRINCIPLE 3: PLAY THE LONG GAME
Arts in action: examples from Heart & Soul TownsGalesburg, Illinois
Arts in action: examples from Heart & Soul TownsGalesburg, Illinois
The Galesburg Portrait Project
Arts in action: examples from Heart & Soul TownsBiddeford, Maine
Arts in action: examples from Heart & Soul TownsEssex, Vermont
We value our rich historical heritage and respect the ancient cultures that inhabited our area before us, the many different cultures in our community now, and their rich cultural background.
Heart & Soul
Based Decisions
Thinking
differently
REFLECTION ON YOUR STORY:
WHAT ACTIONS CAN YOU IMAGINE TAKING TO PRESERVE OR GROW WHAT
YOU CARE ABOUT IN YOUR TOWN?
General information – Contact Rachel Moyer [email protected]
Go to Orton.org to download the field guide
Alexis Halbert [email protected] Neises [email protected]