Sangamon County Animal Control is the temporary homes of many animals including dogs and cats. Director Jeanne Keenan and volunteer Mike Krcil spoke to Community Voices about the need for volunteers to help provide enrichment to the pets waiting their forever homes. They also spoke about the need for pet adoptions and how all members in the home should be on board with adding a four-legged friend to the family.To view adoptable pets visit Petfinder.com.

Marcus Beach, director of the Wrongful Conviction Awareness and Avoidance Training Program at the Illinois Innocence Project discusses how this training is now mandatory at all Illinois police training academies.

The Kidzeum has increased its STEAM education offerings since the COVID-19 pandemic. Executive Director Leah Wilson spoke to Community Voices about how the museum is helping educators. Wilson also shared plans for renovations and a new pollinator mural.For more information about the Kidzeum visit: https://kidzeum.org/

Autism is a topic that has been increasingly recognized in society as more individuals discover they are on the spectrum. However, it has yet to significantly influence or change workplace dynamics. Dr. Jonathan Pierce shares his personal experiences of living with his wife, who has autism, and how it has altered his perspective on the matter. He also discusses potential measures that can be implemented to accommodate neurodivergent employees in the office environment.

Christian Nix is the new Community Voices contributor for Community Voices. Christian sat down with Co-host Vanessa Ferguson to discuss his passion for sports journalism and why he chose UIS.

Toni Lowenthal is the owner and curator of Perspectives Art Gallery in Petersburg. She spoke to Community Voices about the local artists as well as the artists from outside the region that are featured in the gallery. She also spoke about the charm of Petersburg, and how she hopes to add to the town’s culture through her gallery. An opening reception is planned for Nov. 11. For more information visit https://perspectivesartgallery.com/

Charles Ray retired from the US Foreign Service in 2012 after a 30-year career in which he served as ambassador to both Cambodia and Zimbabwe. He spoke to Community Voices about Blueprints for a More Modern US Diplomatic Service which makes recommendations on how to improve weaknesses in US diplomacy. He also explained what American diplomats do in the day-to-day and his insight into leadership and life-long education.

Pamela Lewis Frazier is owner of All In One Laundry Center & Services and All In One On-Site Wash & Detail. Robert Frazier also helps run All In One and is Executive Director of their nonprofit Clean Slate Advocates. Pamela and Robert spoke to Community Voices about their transition from Corporate America to entrepreneurship, the importance of adding the Laundry Center to their services, and their "From Soap to Hope Challenge." They also discuss bridging gaps in the Springfield community.

Mike Murphy, President and CEO of the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce and former owner of Charlie Parker's diner, recently spoke at the Citizens Club of Springfield forum. He provided an update on the business community and shared how state and local politicians are addressing business people's needs.Update: In a previous version of this forum Springfield's "second lake project" was discussed. The deadline to submit public comments ended on Sept. 25, 2023.

Word Up of Central Illinois is an organization that provides tools and board books to low-income families in the community to encourage language and brain development. Founder and Director of Word Up, Linda Johnson, spoke to Community Voices about why the organization started, speech development in children between the ages of 0-3 and the importance of board books. She also discusses how people can donate books.