What’s happening: The City of Fort Wayne’s Neighborhoods Department released the first of a series called the “
Neighborhood 101 Guides”. The guides and videos on the Engage Fort Wayne website are meant to give residents easier access to information that can help them enact change in their neighborhoods and across the city.
The complete series will explore topics like how to start a neighborhood association, how to express support or dissent for a project, and how to activate a vacant lot. The guides are available in English, Spanish, and Burmese.
What they’re saying: “It’s great to see our Department of Neighborhoods team up with Amp Lab and other partner organizations on a project that will make a positive difference. Neighborhoods and education are two critical elements for a thriving and growing city. We’re committed to being a fun, family friendly, and safe community that puts people first with an enhanced quality of life for all and opportunities for success.” - Fort Wayne Mayor Sharon Tucker.
Why it matters: According to the project’s website, these guides will “equip the Fort Wayne neighborhood associations, residents, and community members with resources to effect positive change.” In other words, they’ll help residents and associations be more engaged and better understand the avenues they can take to enact the changes they want to see.
Who made it: Working with subject-area experts from Fort Wayne businesses, more than 30 students from Fort Wayne Community Schools’ Amp Lab assisted with the creation of these guides and videos.
“The 101 Guides are meaningful because they’re a way to help communities come together and better their neighborhoods,” says Brianna Henriquez-Diaz, one of the Amp Lab students who worked on the project. “I never thought I would have an opportunity like this; I got to meet different community leaders and learn from them.”
How to get involved: Explore the guides and videos and submit feedback to the team
via their survey to share what type of guides you’d like to see in the future.
Enjoy this story?
Sign up for free solutions-based reporting in your inbox each week.