ReCONNECT: A call for communities

There is an argument to be made that North Carolina is a Tale of Two Areas: Rural vs. Urban. Heck, that argument has even been made on this site. It doesn't have to be that way. There is no reason why we can't appreciate the many great qualities that exist in the country, the cities or the suburbs.  But there no doubt that there is a chasm to be crossed.

The Institute for Emerging Issues (IEI), based at NC State University, wants to close that gap. IEI, as part of its ReCONNECT NC series, we will host six Emerging Issues Forums over the next three years. Each forum will focus on a different topic centered on innovative strategies to address our loss of connection.
  

At IEI, we believe that local communities—with their traditions, willingness to work, and history of coming together in the toughest of times to solve the biggest of challenges—can help launch us on the path to reconnection. For each topic we address over the next three years, we will identify and collaborate with a cadre of communities—five places that have brought together diverse, energetic teams to implement new solutions that make them stronger and better equipped to succeed, and more “connected.” We see communities as the experts who can lead change and inspire others to become part of a more connected North Carolina.

More information about ReCONNECT NC and the ReCONNECT to Community Emerging Issues Forum can be found at www.reconnectnc.org.

North Carolina communities have an opportunity to get involved. IEI is now accepting applications from communities that "are actively working on successful or promising initiatives, increasing civic engagement to address critical community challenges." The Institute is most interested in learning from community efforts that include, but are not limited to:

• Using technology in new ways to increase community participation
• Designing communities and spaces that facilitate citizen engagement
• Creating innovative branding and marketing campaigns to encourage community or citizen involvement
• Creating opportunities for civil dialogue across community divides
• Exploring changes in organizational culture, policies and/or procedures to make participation easier or more accessible
• Launching civic education and training initiatives
• Engaging individuals and groups that have historically been under-engaged from civic society

Applications are due no later than Sunday, July 22, 2018, at 5:00 p.m. EST. 

Questions should be directed to Maggie Woods, IEI Policy and Program Manager, at mjwoods2@ncsu.edu.