By Heather Williams, Vice President, MAP Board of Directors—
Mark your Calendar and Make a Difference
MUNCIE, IN—Mark your calendars for the 8th annual I.D.E.A. Conference on Saturday, March 4th at Ball State’s L.A. Pittenger Student Center. Gather alongside Muncie’s positive change makers to share best practices on neighborhood association development and neighborhood improvement projects at this free event.
The I.D.E.A. Conference planning committee is currently seeking proposals from speakers who have experience and information to share that will help improve quality of life in Muncie’s neighborhoods. Past presentations include those on grant writing, project management, partnering with non-profits and the public sector, and creative placemaking. If you are interested in presenting a session at the event, please submit your information online by December 15th.
The I.D.E.A. Conference is an excellent opportunity to showcase the positive impact that our neighborhood associations and local leaders have had on our community with awards given for Neighborhood Leader and Neighborhood Project of the Year. 2021 winners included the Halteman Park Project and Ms. Pat Akins, Industry Neighborhood Association Treasurer.
Halteman Village Neighborhood Association, after extensive grassroots action: attending city meetings, petitions, etc. – worked with the City of Muncie to retain ownership of the former Halteman Pool property and after much advocacy work, space planning, crowdfunding, and grant writing by HVNA, among others, the site became a public city park during the Fall of 2019 and held a ribbon-cutting for its new splash pad in summer 2021. This space now acts as a platform for community engagement – a centerpiece and a connector.
Accepting the Neighborhood Leader of the Year Award at the 2022 I.D.E.A. Conference: Pat Akins, Treasurer – Industry Neighborhood Association and Mitch Isaacs, Executive Director – Shafer Leadership Academy. Photo provided
Ms. Pat Akins has been committed to the Industry Neighborhood Association for many years serving in multiple capacities, including as Events Coordinator, Secretary, and as Treasurer. She is described by her friends and neighbors as faithful and consistent in her pursuit of the betterment of her neighborhood, always open to collaborations, partnerships, and new ideas.
If you would like to honor the work of a neighborhood leader or highlight the work of your association, please submit an award nomination for the 2022 Neighborhood Leader and Neighborhood Project of the Year.
The I.D.E.A. Conference is a collaboration of the Muncie Action Plan, Shafer Leadership Academy, and the Ball State University Office of Community Engagement and is sponsored by the Ball Brothers Foundation, Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County, City of Muncie, and HOPE in Delaware County.
