Citizen Engagement

Advance Northeast Ohio translates the priorities identified by more than 20,000 residents who participated in the Voices & Choices civic engagement program in 2005-06 into a specific set of actions.

 A challenge I face in my work on behalf of Advance Northeast Ohio is engaging the citizens of the region in the work required to implement the many initiatives that make up our action plan and are designed to address the priorities identified by the public.  Our partners in the region’s economic action plan are a diverse group of organizations, but none specialize in citizen engagement – particularly on a regional level. And ultimately, it is the residents of Northeast Ohio – not a governmental entity or some other organization – that will drive the change needed to build a brighter future for the region.

 I am starting this blog for the purpose of initiating dialogue with citizen leaders about mobilizing and organizing the citizenry to lead and drive change in Northeast Ohio. This blog will highlight examples of citizen-led change throughout region and the world. And it will serve, I hope, as a place for people to share ideas and form new networks.

 I hope you will join the conversation and help organize the citizen voice – or better yet, I hope you will meet other motivated citizen leaders through this blog and unite to work together to push forward regional initiatives that will strengthen Northeast Ohio.

 Onward!

 -Laura