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News & Media

Incourage eNews: August 2015

Tue. Aug 25, 2015

Incourage eNews is a monthly email providing readers an update on a variety of Incourage related news, current work and impact in our community. Please share and invite your friends to contact us ([email protected] or 715.423.3863) to be added to the distribution.

Community Picnic: Celebrating relationships and the community we build together

On Wednesday, August 5, more than 5,000 people gathered in celebration of each other and our shared place at the fourth annual Community Picnic. Thank you to the 38 local businesses and organizations, and 250 volunteers who generously contributed to the Community Picnic with Incourage. The event was a heartwarming example of what makes our community special. Please visit incouragecf.org/picnic to view event photos and videos, learn fun facts, and more.

Resident Review Committee Launched July 29

July 29 marked the launch of Incourage’s Resident Review Committee – another example of providing residents with opportunities to become actively engaged in the community as decision-makers and leaders.

In total, 18 residents were either nominated or volunteered to participate in this new committee. These residents offered to meet regularly to review “What If” grant requests Incourage receives; to share additional community insight and be advocates for possible community building opportunities; and to help advance Incourage’s vision of a community that works well for all people. This committee will be entrusted with resources to determine, along with Incourage, the most effective use for our community.

Incourage values equity, opportunity and shared stewardship. The commitment of all, to grow and safeguard essential community assets for the common good, is a living example of these values. To learn about upcoming learning opportunities and additional ways to be more engaged in our community, please email Corey, Gus or Heather at [email protected].

Resident Profile – Ben Joosten
From a targeted interest in Makerspaces, to a growing interest in making one old space something more than just a place in which to create, Ben Joosten is growing along with the Tribune. One of the biggest surprises this Wisconsin Rapids resident and MSTC student realized by engaging in the Tribune was the deep connection that can be made when multiple generations work together.
“Before participating in the Tribune, I didn’t realize how much the older residents enjoy talking with younger residents,” shared Ben. “I was one of the younger people who attended the meetings regularly, and at first I wasn’t sure how interested the others would be in my opinions. Contrary to my initial belief, they were very interested to hear my opinion on a variety of topics and often pushed me to share if I didn’t offer anything right away.”

The Tribune was Ben’s first involvement with Incourage, but he is also now part of Incourage’s new Resident Review Committee. “I don’t think the Tribune Building Project or bringing residents together could have happened without Incourage,” Ben said. “People aren’t going to accidentally work toward a powerful goal while making meaningful relationships. Someone needs to be in charge to organize and ensure all aspects of the project are being analyzed.”

“The Tribune process was eye opening,” added Ben. “I am more optimistic about the future of Wisconsin Rapids after taking part in the project. I knew there were some people that cared about the future of Rapids, but now I know there are enough passionate residents to make a difference. I personally care more about the future of Rapids after taking part in the project, and through the process I realized that I can have an active role in improving the community.”

If you are interested in learning more about the Tribune and getting involved alongside Ben and others, please visit tribunebuilding.org.

Tribune Building Project Update

Tribune Tours Continue
If you’ve not yet visited the Tribune, please consider this special opportunity to tour the historic building and learn more. Space is limited; please RSVP at tribunebuilding.org. Hope to see you either Saturday, August 29 or Thursday, September 17.

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© August 25, 2015
Established in rural Wisconsin in 1994 to serve the changing needs of the south Wood County area, Incourage has become a nationally-recognized leader in place-based philanthropy and community development. Guided by values of equity, inclusion and opportunity, Incourage envisions a community that works well for all people. One physical manifestation of this vision is the Tribune, which demonstrates Incourage’s resident-centered approach to growing a strong and inclusive local economy. To learn more, visit incouragecf.org.

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  • About Incourage

    Established in rural Wisconsin in 1994 to serve the changing needs of the south Wood County area, Incourage has become a nationally-recognized leader in place-based philanthropy and community development. Guided by values of equity, opportunity, and shared stewardship, Incourage envisions a community that works well for all people. One physical manifestation of this vision is the redevelopment of the Tribune building, which demonstrates Incourage’s user-centered approach to growing a strong and inclusive local economy.