Initiative to focus on community well-being; public invited to participate in community conversations 

Fox Cities, Wis. (March 14, 2019) — Imagine Fox Cities is a new, inclusive community-wide initiative created to be more intentional about shaping the future of the Fox Cities to improve individual and collective well-being. Many communities define well-being differently but most include common threads of housing, safety, health care, lifelong learning and more.

The initiative was created by community members, for the community, and will be an ongoing initiative to ensure the community maintains or improves what is valued, with an eye on the future. Once opportunities for any improvement are discovered, Imagine Fox Cities will  move forward on developing a collaborative, comprehensive community action plan including a framework for future decisions based on identified shared values.  

“We are in the discovery phase which means that the community’s input is needed as we recognize the many interdependencies of neighborhoods, generations, diversity, values and aspirations,” Beth Flaherty, co-chair of Imagine Fox Cities, said. “This is a completely open process, meaning, there are no preconceived notions of where we need to be or what we need to do other than focusing on making the Fox Cities an even more attractive place to live, work, and grow old.” 

Over the next few weeks, Imagine Fox Cities will host a number of community conversations as well as have online surveys available so community members can help define what “well-being” in the Fox Cities means to those who live, work and go to school here. 

The Imagine Fox Cities process includes four phases: engaging and discovery; discerning and reflecting; convening; and action. During the entire process, Imagine Fox Cities hopes to engage with new leaders and voices.  
 
“We will take the next six months or so to really listen to what our community has to say,” Walt Rugland, community member, said. “We want to hear from all segments of the community including those of different ages, races, genders, religions and incomes. It’s important our data and conversations represent the community as a whole.”  
 
“Fortunately, we live in a community where many other organizations are also doing their part to improve the lives of those who live in the Fox Cities and we look forward to gaining their feedback so we can complement and expand upon what their missions are also envisioning and accomplishing for the future of the Fox Cities,” said Mike Weller, co-chair. “As Helen Keller said, ‘Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” 
 
Many businesses and organizations are involved with Imagine Fox Cities community visioning project and include: Appleton Alliance Church, Appleton Public Library, Bank of Kaukauna, Boldt, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Fox Valley, Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region, East Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission, enVision Performance Solutions, Generative Local Community Institute, Kimberly-Clark, Lawrence University, Mike Weller & Associates, Miller Electric Mfg, NAI Pfefferle, Red Shoes, ThedaCare, Thrivent, United Way Fox Cities and US Venture.

Imagine Fox Cities will share common themes it finds from the collected data once it is compiled at a summit later this summer.

For more information or if you’re interested in attending a community conversation or filling out a survey, please visit www.ImagineFoxCities.com.  

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About Imagine Fox Cities 

Imagine Fox Cities was created in 2018 in an effort to shape a living vision that guides actions and decisions that advance the well-being of all who call the Fox Cities home. It is the goal of Imagine Fox Cities to spark and support new efforts to fill identified needs and opportunities in the Fox Cities while honoring the autonomy and uniqueness of each community. Imagine Fox Cities is eager to engage new leaders and voices and maintain what makes the Fox Cities such a special place to live and work for today and future generations.  

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