Orton Family Foundation

Increasingly, philanthropic organizations are thinking more broadly about how to support systemic change in local communities. On this call, you’ll hear how three foundations are investing in long-term transformation using Community Heart & Soul®, the Orton Family Foundation’s community development model.

Speakers:

–Brad Ward, director of community philanthropy, Council on Foundations

At the Council, Brad interacts with hundreds of community foundations across the U.S. and with colleagues in North America. His specialty is engaging a variety of constituents in community philanthropy and navigating an innovative new era of community leadership and philanthropic engagement for the field.

–Gabrielle Ratté Smith, senior associate for strategic partnerships, Orton Family Foundation

Gabrielle was a founding member of Community Heart & Soul in Essex, Vermont. In her role at Orton, she helps funders design programs that use the Heart & Soul model to bring about positive change in small cities and towns.

-- Kathy Kreuchauf, president, Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation

Under Kathy’s leadership, The Community Foundation launched successful initiatives to strengthen the local non-profit community’s board and staff leadership, as well as a unique partnership with the Orton Family Foundation to support the on-going economic and social viability of small towns in western Ohio.

-–Nancy Van Milligen, president and CEO, Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque

Nancy has helped to grow the Foundation’s charitable funds to more than $55 million and established it as a trailblazer in community leadership and engagement initiatives. Nancy is a past president of the Iowa Council on Foundations. The Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque is working with communities in western Iowa using the Community Heart & Soul model.

-–Susan DeVenny, executive director, J. Marion Sims Foundation

At the helm of J. Marion Sims since 2015, Susan brings over 30 years of experience in the public, private, and non-profit sectors, most recently serving as the state director for SC First Steps to School Readiness, South Carolina’s early childhood agency. The Foundation is working with Orton as part of Sims’ ongoing commitment to lift up and empower community voices to support a healthy community.

-–Fran Stoddard, moderator

A national award-winning producer of video programs, Fran produced and hosted a popular interview program on Vermont Public Television for more than a decade. She frequently serves as moderator for community events and has served on numerous non-profit boards.

This FREE event was recorded at 1-2 p.m. Eastern, Thursday, Nov. 30.

Presented in partnership with the Council on Foundations.

Follow along with our Google Doc here: http://bit.ly/2ySs6XV.

For National Community Planning month, we focus on creating successful comprehensive plans that residents feel a sense of ownership about and have a stake in the outcomes. On this call, you’ll hear from three planners who got residents involved through the Community Heart & Soul model. Learn how community engagement leads to meaningful comprehensive plans that align vision and actions based on what matters most to residents.

Speakers:

--Jane Lafleur, Heart & Soul coach and principal, JB Lafleur Consultants

Jane provides community development, planning, citizen engagement and civic leadership training and educational programs throughout Maine and the U.S. Jane received the Professional Planner of the Year award from the Maine Association of Planners and the Northern New England Chapter of the American Planning Association in 2015.

--K. Dana Hanley, community development director, Essex, Vermont.

Dana played a key role in the development of the Essex comprehensive plan, which received Plan of the Year Award in 2016 from the Vermont Planners Association and Northern New England Chapter of the American Planning Association.

--Angela San Filippo, long-range planner, Ellensburg, Washington

Angela is spearheading Imagine Ellensburg, a comprehensive plan update using the Community Heart & Soul model. Ellensburg is in the process of evaluating options and reviewing recommendations for the plan, with a goal to have it adopted by the end of this year.

--Fran Stoddard, moderator

A national award-winning producer of video programs, Fran produced and hosted Vermont Public Television’s weekly “Profile” interview program for more than a decade. She frequently serves as moderator for community events and has served on numerous non-profit boards.

This FREE event was recorded on 2-3 p.m. Eastern, Thursday, October 19, 2017.

Follow along with our Google Doc: http://bit.ly/2w7hsvD.

Heart & Soul Talks features stories and insight from Community Heart & Soul®, a community development model that builds stronger, healthier and more economically vibrant small cities and towns. Learn more at orton.org.

Taking on controversial issues is a challenge that every community faces. How those issues are approached can make the difference between a community that thrives and one where divides erode a community’s vitality.

Join us for insight and practical ideas and tools for advancing civil discourse from nationally-recognized expert in the field, Carolyn J. Lukensmeyer, Ph. D. and Mayor Thom Harnett of Gardiner, Maine, who has led his way in welcoming new residents and embracing the value they bring to the small town, sometimes in the face of protest.

Speakers:

--Dr. Carolyn J. Lukensmeyer, executive director, National Institute for Civil Discourse

As a leader in the field of deliberative democracy, Dr. Lukensmeyer works to restore our democracy to reflect the intended vision of our founding fathers. She previously served as Founder and President of AmericaSpeaks, an award-winning nonprofit organization that promoted nonpartisan initiatives to engage citizens and leaders through the development of innovative public policy tools and strategies.

--Thom Harnett, mayor, Gardiner, Maine.

Thom, now serving his third term as mayor of Gardiner, Maine, recently retired from the state Office of the Attorney General where he had served as an assistant attorney general, and established Civil Rights Teams in more than 220 schools statewide. Thom was active in Gardiner’s Community Heart & Soul® project.

--Fran Stoddard, moderator

A national award-winning producer of video programs, Fran produced and hosted Vermont Public Television’s weekly “Profile” interview program for more than a decade. She frequently serves as moderator for community events and has served on numerous non-profit boards.

This FREE event was recorded on Thursday, September 28, 2017.

Heart & Soul Talks features stories and insight from Community Heart & Soul®, a community development model that builds stronger, healthier, and more economically vibrant small cities and towns. Learn more at orton.org.

Getting young people involved in community leadership brings fresh perspectives and new energy. Small cities and towns across the country are giving meaningful roles to youth and helping young people realize their voices matter. On this free talk, you’ll hear from youth advocates and a youth leader how to authentically involve the next generation in local decision-making.

Speakers:

--Laura Furr, program manager for justice reform and youth engagement, National League of Cities (NLC)

Laura helps municipal leaders take action on behalf of children, youth, and families in their communities. She assists cities in establishing authentic systems for youth engagement through initiatives such as youth councils, juvenile justice reform, and participatory budgeting. Prior to joining NLC, Laura was the Interim Executive Director and Senior Director of Youth Justice Initiatives at Community Law In Action, Inc., a non-profit that engages youth as active citizens, critical thinkers, and advocates for positive change in Maryland.

--Lee Krohn, senior planner, Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission

Prior to joining that Commission, Lee served as Planning Director, among other roles, for the Town of Manchester for over 24 years. His work to engage youth was named the 2009 Project of the Year from the Vermont Planners Association. Lee serves on the Vermont Urban & Community Forestry Council and as Northern New England Chapter of the American Planning Association (NNECAPA) Assistant Professional Development Officer for Vermont, is a past President of the Vermont Planners Association. He was a founding member and longtime Chair of the Manchester Community Land Trust. His current work involves land use and emergency management planning, as well as direct assistance to municipalities. Lee is a firefighter, an award-winning professional photographer, skier, biker and runner.

--Fran Stoddard, moderator

A national award-winning producer of video programs, Fran produced and hosted Vermont Public Television’s weekly “Profile” interview program for more than a decade. She frequently serves as moderator for community events and has served on numerous non-profit boards.

Follow along with our Google Doc: http://bit.ly/2uNFucD.

Small towns rely on volunteers for prosperity, but it can be a challenge to sustain volunteer energy and enthusiasm. With a resident-driven approach, Heart & Soul® towns rally community members to increase civic participation and create positive change. Listen in for ideas to keep volunteers motivated and engaged for the long run.

Speakers:

--Sara Lightner, senior associate of programs, training, Orton Family Foundation

Before joining Orton, Sara spent 13 years volunteering and working with volunteers in the Peace Corps. She was director of programming and training for the Eastern Caribbean and for Vanuatu in the South Pacific. Sara directed volunteer and partner trainings and programming opportunities, ensuring that volunteers received the support needed to be successful.

--Debbie Moreno, project coordinator, Galesburg on Track

Debbie is a journalist, a poet, a parent, and an active volunteer--skills and experience that have transferred to her role as project coordinator of Galesburg on Track, a Community Heart & Soul® project in Galesburg, Illinois. Debbie is devoted to effective communication with residents and has built a strong and dedicated group of volunteers that represent the broad range of perspectives.

--Fran Stoddard, moderator

A national award-winning producer of video programs, Fran produced and hosted Vermont Public Television’s weekly “Profile” interview program for more than a decade. She frequently serves as moderator for community events and has served on numerous non-profit boards.

Follow along with our Google Doc: http://bit.ly/2vcs6MD.

No matter where you live, there is something to love about the place you call home. Yet, the common narrative about small towns focuses on what is wrong or what needs to be fixed—vacant storefronts, political differences, young people moving away. Hear how three Heart & Soul® towns are renewing community spirit by drawing on their unique history and heritage and, in turn, sparking revitalization.

Speakers:

--Delilah Poupore, executive director, Heart of Biddeford in Biddeford, Maine

A former textile mill town, Biddeford struggled with stagnant population growth and limited job opportunities. Biddeford’s renaissance began when residents used the Community Heart & Soul® model to create a forward-looking plan that took stock of the town’s unique history and what mattered most to everyone. As the executive director of the Heart of Biddeford, Delilah has played a pivotal role both in implementing the Downtown Master Plan and maintaining momentum beyond the plan’s completion.

--Alice Trowbridge, project coordinator, Heart of Williamsport in Williamsport, Pennsylvania

Downtown Williamsport is booming—attracting a younger population along with nightlife and art galleries. However, the city’s outlying neighborhoods are still struggling economically. Alice heads up the Heart of Williamsport project, which is collecting stories from all neighborhoods to bridge divides and provide opportunities for every resident.

--Janeane Hopkins, Heart & Soul team member, McComb Region Heart & Soul in McComb, Ohio

Not long ago, McComb had a vibrant downtown with thriving local businesses. When the town’s anchor retail store closed, it left a hole on Main Street and in the local economy. By drawing on memories of the past while looking toward the future, Community Heart & Soul is renewing a sense of hope. Today, residents are investing in existing businesses and starting new ones, contributing to a new chapter for McComb.

Follow along with our Google Doc: http://bit.ly/2q7R54H.

Think philanthropy is just for the wealthy? Think again. Small cities and towns are finding that all residents can be philanthropists. Local wisdom and vision, it turns out, lead to positive change. On this call you’ll hear about effective strategies for encouraging a culture of local philanthropy that builds community vibrancy and prosperity.

Speakers:

--Lisa Duran, executive director, Grassroots Grantmakers. Lisa has over 30 years of experience in social justice, community organizing and nonprofit work. She supports and connects community investors—mostly foundations—in partnering with residents to lead change.

--Don Macke, co-founder and director of entrepreneurial communities, Center for Rural Entrepreneurship. Don helps communities and regions throughout North America grow entrepreneur-focused economic development strategies. He works with strategic partners across the country to deliver customized economic development solutions. Don is also active in community development philanthropy, and conducted the first statewide Transfer of Wealth™ study in Nebraska in 2002. Don has nearly 40 years of community economic development and policy experience.

--Thom Harnett, mayor, Gardiner, Maine. Thom, now serving his third term as mayor of Gardiner, Maine, recently retired from the state Office of the Attorney General where he had served as an assistant attorney general, and established Civil Rights Teams in more than 220 schools statewide. Thom was active in Gardiner’s Community Heart & Soul® project.

Follow along with our Google Doc: http://bit.ly/2oH5obw.

This event was recorded on Thursday, April 20, 2017.

Gathering, listening to, and sharing stories strengthens the fabric of the community by bringing people together in conversations about what they love about where they live and what they’d like to change. Hearing from residents can also lead to discoveries that the community immediately rallies around, such as an 1870s African-American church in Pennsylvania or a historic theater in Colorado. Three speakers, each with different but meaningful experiences, share how storytelling enriches a community and leads to positive change.

Speakers:

- Mimi Iijima is the Director of Programs and Special Projects for Pennsylvania Humanities Council. Mimi leads PHC’s effort to strengthen communities through the humanities and by bringing Community Heart & Soul to towns in the Keystone state.

- Dani Smith is the great-great-granddaughter of a Civil War soldier who served in the U.S. Colored Troops. Story gathering by the Greater Carlisle Heart & Soul Project led to the discovery of an 1870s African-American church and cemetery, where Dani’s family discovered their ancestor. Her family has since been instrumental in the early steps of preservation of the church and cemetery.

- Elaine Brett is a resident of the North Fork Valley in Colorado. She was active in that community’s Heart & Soul project and played a key role in creating the nonprofit that bought and renovated the town’s historic Paradise Theatre, relying on a state grant and funds raised locally and globally online. She has over thirty years of experience in facilitation, strategic planning and management in commercial, non-profit, and governmental sectors. Currently, she is on the boards of The Friends of the Paradise Theatre, the Western Colorado Community Foundation, and Downtown Colorado, Inc.

-Fran Stoddard is a communications consultant with Orton and will serve as the moderator for this event. A national award-winning producer of video programs, Fran served as producer and host of Vermont Public Television’s weekly “Profile” interview program for more than a decade. She frequently serves as moderator for community events and has served on numerous non-profit boards including the Hunger Free Vermont, the Vermont Journalism Trust, Vermont Mozart Festival, Burlington City Arts, Vermont International Film Foundation, and Vermont Public Radio.

Follow along with our Google Doc: http://bit.ly/2k8d0WD.

Deep community engagement gives local leaders the courage to take risks that lead to positive change. The Orton Family Foundation pioneered the community development method Community Heart & Soul® based on that premise. On this call, you’ll hear how three leaders went beyond a "check the box" approach to engagement, working with residents to create ambitious plans that have led to dramatic and lasting results in their towns.

Speakers:

--Jim Bennett, city manager, Biddeford, Maine, and past ICMA president. Community engagement led the city to buy and tear down an incinerator in the downtown, spurring major revitalization. Jim has an impressive history of public service in Maine, beginning at the age of 21 as an elected municipal official. Over his 35 years of municipal service, the communities he has served have received a number of recognitions, including All-American City designation. He has been recognized by ICMA for several outstanding programs implemented under his direction as well as awarded the Manager of the Year by Maine Town and City Managers Association.

--Mike Bestor, former city manager, Golden, Colorado, and ICMA member. Empowered by the input of more than 2,000 local residents, city staff revamped development review guidelines to ensure growth aligns with what residents want for their town’s future.

--Kirsten Sackett, community development director, Ellensburg, Washington. Kirsten led a Community Heart & Soul project in Cortez, Colorado that got a diverse group of residents participating in local government and built bridges to underrepresented communities. She liked the results so much she’s doing the same thing in Ellensburg.

Presented in partnership with International City/County Management Association (ICMA).

Follow along with our Google Doc: http://bit.ly/2gAH1Zl.

From farm-to-table restaurants and food co-ops to craft breweries and tech startups, it’s an exciting time for small town businesses. Cultivating those businesses and encouraging entrepreneurs is key to thriving local economies. Our panelists, who have owned businesses, worked with entrepreneurs, and helped make their downtowns vibrant, share the secrets of their success.

Speakers are:

Becky McCray, business owner, author, and publisher of Small Biz Survival, a blog about the challenges and successes of doing business in a small town. Her no-nonsense perspective on local economies lands her in publications from The New York Times to The High Plains Journal. Home is Hopeton, Oklahoma (pop. 30).

Joe Wasson, business owner; founder, McComb Economic Development Organization; project coordinator, McComb Region Heart & Soul. Joe owned and managed his family’s furniture business in downtown McComb, Ohio, (pop. 1,600), which closed in 2013. Since then he has worked tirelessly to recruit new businesses to town, forming the McComb Economic Development Organization and securing a grant for a regional Community Heart & Soul project.

Patrick Wright, executive director, Gardiner Main Street; economic and community development coordinator, Gardiner, Maine (pop. 6,000). Patrick has been front and center in the revitalization of Gardiner’s downtown. In addition to being a partner in the town’s Community Heart & Soul project, Gardiner Main Street is one of three partners in the Gardiner Growth Initiative, an incentive program for drawing businesses to the town.

Follow along with our Google Doc: http://bit.ly/2cBIjkt.