By: Emily Royer, Graduate Assistant, Ball State Office of Community Engagement—
Muncie residents are invited to attend the second annual I.D.E.A. Conference on March 4, 2017. The all-day event at Ball State will feature keynote presentations as well as breakout sessions focused on equipping and supporting residents to improve the quality of life in their neighborhoods.
“The I.D.E.A. Conference will provide opportunities for residents to gain insight on how to develop and grow a strong neighborhood association, as well as the chance to network with others who are also working towards the same goal of improving our community,” explained Building Better Neighborhoods program manager, Heather Williams.
Last year’s inaugural conference saw 130 gather to discuss issues related to teamwork and collaboration, revitalization, association development, and interacting with the local government. This year the City of Muncie, Vectren Foundation, Muncie Action Plan, Shafer Leadership Academy, Ball Brothers Foundation, Muncie Historic Preservation and Rehabilitation Commission, and Ball State University’s Building Better Neighborhoods and Office of Community Engagement are partnering to provide neighborhood associations with a forum for the “Intentional Development and Education for Association Members” centered around five distinct tracks:
- Beautification and Infrastructure
- Community Partnerships
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Association Development
- Community Plans
Any member of a Muncie neighborhood association can register for the conference by visiting www.muncieneighborhoods.org/idea. Registration is free and must be received by February 24. Questions may be directed to Krista Flynn, BSU Office of Community Engagement, at kflynn@bsu.edu.
