Lucas PintMAP’s New Neighborhood Organizer

Muncie Action Plan Logo
Lucas Pint, a man with a beard and crossed arms, leans confidently against a brick wall

When I moved to Muncie in 2016 to begin my career at Ball State University, I never imagined how deeply I’d come to care for this city and its people. Settling in the Anthony-Northside Neighborhood sparked my involvement in grassroots efforts, from leading the neighborhood association to helping launch a new park at the former Anthony Elementary School site. This work, along with a scholarship to the Shafer Leadership Academy’s Emergence Program, helped shape my approach to leadership—one grounded in empathy, strategy, and a belief that real change happens when we invest in people and meet them where they are.

That belief continues to guide me in my new role as Neighborhood Organizer with the Muncie Action Plan. Since 2018, I’ve contributed to citywide initiatives through MAP Taskforces 3 and 4, working on neighborhood development and climate resilience. Now, I’m eager to support and connect Muncie’s neighborhoods in even deeper ways. Whether advising students at Ball State, pursuing graduate studies in planning and environmental management, or collaborating with residents, I remain committed to building strong, adaptable communities—because lasting change grows from trust, connection, and the shared work of showing up for one another.

Welcome to the new class of 2025 CenterPoint Scholars!

Kiwani Pine, Rachael Robertson, Isabel Heimlich, Joseph Scholl III, Eliana Heimlich, Sam Atlas McCollum (Jasmine Taylor not in photo) Photo by Shantanu Suman

Kiwani Pine, Rachael Robertson, Isabel Heimlich, Joseph Scholl III, Eliana Heimlich, Sam Atlas McCollum (Jasmine Taylor not in photo)
Photo by Shantanu Suman

Welcoming the Second Cohort of CenterPoint Scholars

Since 2010, Muncie Action Plan (MAP) has been supporting neighborhood leaders through its Neighborhood Leadership Council. In October 2023, MAP expanded this commitment by launching a new initiative—thanks to a generous grant from CenterPoint Energy—to train emerging leaders in grassroots advocacy. This initiative, the CenterPoint Scholars Program, offers a year-long leadership development experience focused on building skills that directly impact Muncie’s neighborhoods.

The program began with a competitive application process in January, and the second cohort of Scholars was officially introduced at the March 2025 IDEA Conference. In April, the Scholars participated in a weekend retreat at highlighted locations in Muncie to kick off the program. This retreat laid the groundwork for a year of learning, connection, and community impact.

We are excited to welcome our second cohort of CenterPoint Scholars:

This class of CenterPoint Scholars is exploring topics like project management, conflict resolution, and trust building, all while working on neighborhood-based projects designed to create lasting, positive change. They are joining our Neighborhood Leadership Council in monthly trainings from March 2025 through March 2026, and their efforts will culminate in a final presentation led by the Scholars at the 2026 IDEA Conference. MAP is proud to support these emerging leaders and excited to see the impact of their work across our community.

For more information about the CenterPoint Scholars Program, visit muncieneighborhoods.org/centerpoint-scholars.

White River Canoe and Kayak Launch Sites

Map of the White River showing completed and future landing sites for canoes and kayaks
Kitselman Trailhead launch, completed in 2022. Photo by the Ball Brothers Foundation:

Did you know there are several new kayak and canoe launches located throughout Muncie?

There are! And several more in the works.

These launches are open to the public, so beat the heat this summer by grabbing a friend and bringing your favorite canoes and kayaks to one of these convenient spots.

Learn more about this and other cool projects aimed at championing our local waterways at the Ball Brothers Foundation Project Blueways page.


Check out more muncie neighborhood news and events:

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CenterPoint Scholars Class of 25-26

Meet the 2025-2026 SCHOLARS

The scholars: Isabel Heimlich, Joseph Scholl III, Kiwani Pine, Rachael Robertson, Eliana Heimlich, and Sam Atlas McCollum. Not pictured: Jasmine Taylor

THE PROGRAM

The 2025-2026 CenterPoint Scholars Program kicked off with a weekend retreat April. The retreat set the framework for the year-long program and built connections between participants.

Regular meetings were held monthly at the E.B. and Bertha C. Ball Center (400 W. Minnetrista Blvd.)

2025-2026 SCHEDULE | DOWNLOAD (pdf)

IDEA Conference – March 8, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Understanding Local Government Structure & Finance
Code Enforcement Panel
Increasing Relationships and Resources and Decreasing Barriers

Muncie Retreat- April 11-12, 2025

Developing Your Personal Why
Project Management: Goal Setting
Project Management: Budgeting
Trust Building
Effective Leadership
Community Connections Panel
An Introduction to Advocacy

Tuesday, April 15, 5 – 7 p.m.

The Importance of Neighborhoods

Tuesday, May 20, 5 – 7 p.m.

Effective Communication – Listening with your Eyes

Tuesday, June 17, (5 – 7 p.m.

How to Fund Your Association’s Work (panel)

Tuesday, July 15, 7 – 9 p.m.

Neighborhood Pool Party @ Tuhey

Tuesday, August 19, 5 – 7 p.m.

Conflict Management

Tuesday, September 16, 5 – 7 p.m.

Resident Listening

Tuesday, October 14, 5 – 7 p.m.

Pitch 2026 Projects

Tuesday, November 18, 5 – 7 p.m.

Celebrating Lessons Learned

Tuesday, December 16, 5 – 7 p.m.

Project Work Day

Tuesday, January 20, 5 – 7 p.m.

Recruitment

Tuesday, February 17, 5 – 7 p.m.

Presentation to Neighborhood Leadership Council and Elected Officials

The program will culminate with a presentation by the Scholars at the 2026 IDEA Conference, Saturday, March 7, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at the Ball State University Student Center.

PROVIDED IN PARTNERSHIP

Muncie Action Plan Logo
BBN logo
Shafer Leadership Academy Logo

SUPPORTERS

Logo for the Muncie & Delaware County Community Foundation

CenterPoint Scholars Class of 24-25

In 2024-2025 the CenterPoint Scholars Program trained ten neighborhood leaders, equipping them with essential skills for advocacy, resident engagement, and project management. Learn more or sign-up for the 2025-2026 CenterPoint Scholars Program.

2024-2025 SCHOLARS

THE PROGRAM

The CenterPoint Scholars Program kicked-off with a weekend retreat April 19-21 at Hueston Woods, OH. The retreat set the framework for the year-long program and built connections between participants.

Meetings are held monthly at the E.B. and Bertha C. Ball Center (400 W. Minnetrista Blvd.)

SCHEDULE | DOWNLOAD (pdf)

2024

IDEA Conference – March 2, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Building Relationships with Elected Officials
How to Run a Meeting
Effective Communication for Neighborhood Leaders (part 1)

Tuesday, April 16, 5 – 7 p.m.

Effective Communication for Neighborhood Leaders (part 2)

Friday, April 19 – Sunday, April 21 Retreat at Hueston Woods | Schedule

Developing Your Personal Why
The Importance of Neighborhoods
Asset Based Community Development (ABCD)
Active Listening
Effective Leadership
Community Connections
An Introduction to Advocacy

Tuesday, May 21, 5 – 7 p.m.

Project Management and Goal Setting

Tuesday, June 18, 5 – 7 p.m.

Project Management and Data Analysis / Financial Literacy

Tuesday, July 16 7 – 9 p.m. POOL PARTY @ Tuhey

Neighborhoods Pool Party @ Tuhey

Tuesday, August 20, 5 – 7 p.m.

Trust Building

Tuesday, September 17, 5 – 7 p.m.

Crowdbased Fundraising

Tuesday, October 15, 5 – 7 p.m.

Pitch 2025 Projects

Tuesday, November 19, 5 – 7 p.m.

Celebrating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Tuesday, December 17, 5 – 7 p.m.

Project Work Day

2025

Tuesday, January 21, 5 – 7 p.m.

Delegation

Tuesday, February 18, 5 – 7 p.m.

Presentation to Neighborhood Leadership Council and Elected Officials

The program will culminate with a lunch keynote presentation by the Scholars at the 2025 IDEA Conference, Saturday, March 8, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at the Ball State University Student Center.

PROVIDED IN PARTNERSHIP

Muncie Action Plan Logo
BBN logo
Shafer Leadership Academy Logo

SUPPORTERS

Logo for the Muncie & Delaware County Community Foundation

Neighborhood Leadership Council

NLC Logo

The Neighborhood Leadership Council is an initiative of the Muncie Action Plan that brings together neighborhood association leaders from across the city of Muncie to share best practices, take advantage of educational opportunities, and connect with local resources and area non-profits. The group meets on the third Tuesday of each month on the third floor of the E.B. and Bertha C. Ball Center (400 W. Minnetrista Pkwy) at 6:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome to attend. 

Updated list of neighborhood leaders for 2025

March Announcements:

Please join us for our May NLC meeting on Tuesday, May 19th 6-7 p.m. on the third floor of E.B. Ball. Sunni Matters, Chief Operations Officer at Second Harvest Food Bank of East Central Indiana will be joining us to give us an update on local food insecurity and work of Second Harvest. We hope to see you next week!

Tuesday, April 22, 5-7 PM
Local Government 101
Tuesday, October 20, 5-7 PM
City Department Heads – CD, Human Rights, Parks
Tuesday, May 15, 5-7 PM
Food Insecurity
Tuesday, November 17, 5-7 PM
Celebrate! Project Pitch Night
Tuesday, June 16, 5-7 PM
Schools and Libraries as Community Stakeholders
Tuesday, December 16, 5-7 PM
Project Work Day
Tuesday, July 21, 7-9 PM
Community Safety
Tuesday, January 19, 5-7 PM
Mental and Physical Health
Tuesday, August 18, 5-7 PM
UBHA Mock Meeting
Tuesday, February 16, 5-7 PM
Mental and Physical Health
Tuesday, September 15, -7 PM
DMMPC – Kylene Swackhamer
IDEA Conference – March 6, 9 AM – 3 PM

Come hungry! We always provide dinner at the start of the training.

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