Request for Powerful Stories Due July 20, 2009

About Neighbor Power!:
Neighbor Power! A Gathering to Inspire Greater Indy Neighborhoods is a new and free event bringing together active and engaged residents and community leaders on Oct. 17 at the University of Indianapolis. We’re seeking people like you to share powerful stories during discussions and workshops on the neighborhood issues we all face. We need you to inspire and empower others with your stories. Together, we can make a difference.

Why Should I Share?
You could reach up to 300 people with your story.
You and a summary of your story will be included in gathering materials.
You’ll be part of the program attended by neighborhood residents, community group leaders, business owners, representatives of local nonprofits, corporate and philanthropic partners, and government officials.
You’ll have a great opportunity to connect through public conversation.

What Should I Share?

Neighbor Power! encourages presenters from all walks of life to share their stories on the following
suggested topics:

Community Engagement
Block clubs and crime watch/public safety
Neighborhood Retail
Youth engagement
Public art
Tales of neighborhood-driven development
Neighborhood events
Abandoned Homes/Zoning and Code enforcement
Going Green - urban gardens, development, co-ops, farmers market, green roofs
Zoning and code enforcement/City services
Capitalizing on uniqueness of neighborhood
Connecting with your schools/churches
Quality of life planning for neighborhoods

How Will It Work?
Once presenters are selected, you’ll be matched with others to develop a joint workshop on a mutual topic. Presenters will have the opportunity to tell their stories in two back to back sessions at Neighbor Power! The workshops/discussions are scheduled to last one hour with 20-40 participants attending. Each presenter will share their story in 10 minutes or less, allowing time for questions and discussion.

What Does Neighbor Power! Expect From You?
Attend a workshop planning meeting on August 17 at 5:30 p.m.
Attend a training and practice session in September.
Understand that you won’t be able to attend other discussions/workshops at Neighbor Power!
but they will be recorded for later viewing.

Note: Potential presenters are encouraged to attend INRC’s summer course, Great Stories! How to Present Your Results.
In this two-part course, participants will learn how to present their stories to a broader audience and gain useful tools for designing their presentation. The workshops will be held June 25 and July 16 from 6 – 8:30 p.m. For more information and to register, call Nita McCormick at (317) 920-0330 or namccormick@inrc.org.

Application Process:
Complete and return this form by mail or email to Shawn Thomas on or before July 20, 2009. Presenters will be chosen and notified by/on August 6.

Send entries to:
Neighbor Power! Stories
C/O Shawn Thomas
333 N. Pennsylvania Street, Suite 600
Indianapolis, IN 46204

OR

Email to SThomas@lisc.org.

Questions? Contact Shawn Thomas at (317) 396-0588, ext. 19 or via email.