Jacobsville Join In releases interview results at Report Back Sessions

On Wednesday, February 20, 2013, Jacobsville Join In representatives released the results of nearly 70 neighborhood interviews to Jacobsville residents and stakeholders. The first part of Jacobsville Join In initiative was intentional listening to people who live and work in the neighborhood. This was done through one-on-one listening sessions.

“There’s only one way to engage someone, and that’s by listening to them,” said Jim Capraro, senior fellow at the Institute for Comprehensive Community Development, when he spoke to those in attendance.

The purpose was to begin the project asking the people who live and work in the neighborhood what they see as the strengths and weaknesses of the area and what they hope for the neighborhood in the future. There are no pre-determined outcomes for the plan, ideas and projects will come from the people in the neighborhood, and people in the neighborhood will play key roles in implementing the completed plan.

The comments made during the interviews were grouped and summarized into themes that communicate similar comments. One common theme stood out which is, “Jacobsville residents find that opportunity for improvement will happen through community involvement via events and meetings. Getting to know and help neighbors through relationship building will help to improve negative attitudes and boost community spirit.”

The report outlines findings from the interviews. The strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats identified in the interviews will provide the basis for the Quality of Life plan moving forward. They will inform those who participate in the visioning session and the working groups that develop the plan. The vision and the plan itself will be created by the people who live and work in Jacobsville and who are committed to making Jacobsville a great place to live, work, and play.

Melissa Tines, a resident of the neighborhood, spoke to the group about community involvement. Tines said, “If people would slow down and take the time to look within…strip down their lives to what really is important, they will find they are able to do things they had no idea that they could do.”

Jennifer Mason, the Community Mobilizer for the project said, “The Report Back was just the beginning to the quality of life process for the neighborhood. There is still plenty of work to be done and time for residents to get involved in the process. The next phase will include a visioning this spring.” The Visioning is scheduled for Saturday, April 13th from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at Delaware Elementary School.

Mason went on to say, “But don’t wait till April to get involved…We need people to join in now by getting the word out to their neighbors, co-workers, and friends! Additionally, we will be holding a second report back session this Saturday, February 23rd 10 am to noon at Central United Methodist Church Garden Room, for people that weren’t able to attend the weekday session.” To find out how to join in neighbors can visit our office at 621 North Main Street, or call at 812-746-8933. For additional information visit www.jacobsville.net.

Jacobsville Interview Report