Muncie-based Sociology Immersive Learning Projects – Fall 2015
Associate Professor and Chairperson of the Department of Sociology, Melinda Messineo, led several groups of Ball State students in sociological Immersive Learning projects around the city. Organizations partnered included the United Way of Muncie and Delaware County, Edible Muncie, and the Muncie Redevelopment Commission. In these projects, students worked with their community partners to gather information about literacy opportunities in build spaces (United Way) food scarcity and pantry use (Edible Muncie) and residential decision making processes for young professionals (Muncie redevelopment). The data will be used to inform programs for each of the partners over the next year.
Building Better Neighborhoods/MAP T-shirts now available at Refresh!
Want to show your community spirit? Refresh, at 312 E. Main Street in Downtown Muncie, is selling these awesome t-shirts designed by Kyle Johnson. Visit Refresh, a cool local store specializing in unique furniture, home decor, and gifts, and while you’re there be sure to pick one up! You can read more about the story behind the shirts on Refresh’s blog.
Ex-Chevy Plant Site will become Neighborhood Asset
A portion of the ex-Chevy property on East 8th St. has been acquired by the Ross Community Center and will become part of a revamped and enlarged youth baseball facility. Funds for the purchase were provided by the Ball Brothers Foundation, which has remained committed to supporting revitalization efforts in the city’s Thomas Park/Avondale neighborhood. More information about the sale can be found in this Star Press article
CLOSED: Neighborhood I.D.E.A. Conference Call for Proposals
The Muncie Action Plan, Shafer Leadership Academy and Building Better Neighborhoods are partnering together to host a conference to support the development of neighborhood leaders. The Neighborhood I.D.E.A. Conference is scheduled for March 5th on Ball State’s campus. Over 100 of Muncie’s most active local leaders will gather to listen, learn and meet like minded individuals to share ideas and best practices. The theme of the conference is Intentional Development and Education for Association Members.
Sessions will fall within four distinct tracks:
- Working with local government
- Visioning and Revitalization
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Association Development
Do you have an idea you would like to share at the conference or a topic you want to see discussed? We are currently taking submissions. The Call for Proposals can be found here.
For those individuals and organizations who are interested in presenting at this conference, please submit proposals by January 1st. Questions may be directed to Krista Flynn, BSU Office of Community Engagement at kflynn@bsu.edu.
Little Free Libraries – Free Community Birthday Celebration
BY5 is the leading organization for early childhood awareness in Muncie and Delaware County, Indiana. Through a variety of task force and volunteer efforts, BY5 improves opportunities for children aged 0-5 to reach their developmental potential. BY5’s Little Free Library Task Force is working to empower a joyful culture of literacy by supporting a network of Little Free Libraries in Delaware County, Indiana. Please join BY5 in celebrating the “birth” of the Delaware County Little Free Library Network.
For more information about the local Little Free Library initiative and how you can get involved, please visit the BY5 website.