Introducing Project Co-Create

Shayne Lopez • February 2, 2024

We see the strengths of Athens County.

At the Athens County Foundation, our promise is to invest in the county’s strengths. To fortify, amplify and magnify them.

For 40 years we’ve been building an infrastructure that works with the county, not just in the county. In the last 10 years, we furthered that commitment by asking ourselves to determine how we could contribute even more to Athens County. Thinking big, we asked the question: what are the core ingredients to advancing positive change, to crafting sustainable solutions, and to reshaping systems to work for more people?

The bottom line: The most effective solutions are the product of participatory change making.  

It’s the radical idea that when it’s possible for individuals, organizations, businesses, and institutions to blend their strengths and resources, they will produce lasting, powerful solutions.

With this ambition in mind and building on the practices we’ve already put into motion, ACF is expanding our focus on harmonizing and mobilizing resources across the county to advance important work through collaborations. Now it’s time to radically scale this approach to work for more people in more places, on more big opportunities, in Athens County.

This is Project Co-Create.



The Project

ACF is promoting participatory change making as a productive system that will leverage the county’s strengths. We are committed to investing in it and working with partners to advance it. But first, we need to define what “ it ” actually is.

 

Project Co-Create:

Defines and activates a participatory change making model so that Athens County can collaboratively develop solutions to address challenges and pursue opportunities with greater efficiency, speed, reach, and impact.

This model can become a system that harnesses the strengths of the county, open to everyone, to pursue shared goals.

 

A few notes:

  • The individuals involved should include those who are directly impacted by the work.
  • Collaborators must seek out perspectives and information from others.
  • While this is a continuum, it is not a linear process. Some projects may cycle as conditions change, some may achieve the goal without becoming a Collaboration.
  • A project can be initiated by anyone in the county who wants to bring people and parties together to work towards a shared goal or objective.

 

The Co-Creation Model

Throughout 2024, we’ll continue all current commitments and deliver on promises while we gather insights and information about how to increase participation and engagement. We will learn while doing, build while evolving. Our goal is to be in a position to fully adopt and scale the model in the county beginning in 2025.

 

Our Commitments to Athens County

Be a builder | Actively engage in community conversations and projects 

Be an ambassador | Represent the spirit of collaboration and inclusion everywhere you go

Be a champion | Give the work a greater chance for success by securing and investing resources 

Be a visionary | Focus on what is possible, relevant, and achievable, even if it would take a big lift.

Be an innovator | Think big and be part of the solution

Be a connector | Identify and invite in the strengths and perspectives that surround you   

 

Let’s Connect

Stay tuned. We have a lot to share in the coming months. And, if you want to be part of the conversation about this special initiative, sign up by clicking the button below!

 

 

Leading with our values.

Things change quickly, but our values don’t. Our focus on increasing engagement the county to form change-making collaborations is a direct reflection of our values. We are committed to our mission, driven by our vision, and guided by our values.

Inclusion

The experiences and perspectives of the diversity of people in Athens County are the foundation of effective, meaningful action. We elevate the voices of those who have struggled to be heard, and we strive for diversity in our initiatives and within our organization.

Collaboration

Results that matter come from community members, nonprofits, and public and private organizations working and learning together, listening, and engaging in constructive conversations. So, we will play the role that best supports progress – joining or leading – because we seek outcomes, not ownership.

Courage

Change requires us to be steadfast and bold in seeking solutions. We stay committed, ask challenging questions, take feedback, and lead with kindness.

Hope

Our community members make a powerful difference. Their ideas and expertise, their care and concern, their efforts and projects, their investments – these are strengths that inspire us to see opportunity in the face of challenging problems. We are unwavering in our belief that, together, we can make Athens County stronger.

Trust

Philanthropy and community engagement are built with integrity, authenticity, and accountability – by the ACF and by those we serve. The strength of our relationships will propel us toward our shared goals.

We’re proud of these values and even prouder to live them in everything we do.

 

Support our work by giving to the Advance Athens County Fund.

Emily Prince is ACF's New Communications and Engagement Manager

By Shayne Lopez • December 4, 2025
The Athens County Foundation is excited to welcome Emily Prince as our new Communications and Engagement Manager. With a background rooted in arts leadership, nonprofit service, and collaborative storytelling, Emily brings a dynamic and deeply community-centered approach to her new role. Emily’s professional journey has included roles such as Operations Director at Stuart’s Opera House, Training and Activation Director for Air Collaborative, and Program Specialist at Arts West. She has also served as Education and Development Director at Stuart’s Opera House, contributing to the growth and sustainability of arts and cultural programming in the region. "I am over the moon and honored to be creating this new role at the Athens County Foundation,” Prince said. “After having been involved with the Foundation one way or another since I participated in the inaugural class of Leadership Athens County, it feels like coming home." Her earlier career began in New York where she worked as a producer, stage manager, actor, director, casting director, and dramaturge. These diverse roles helped shape her belief in the importance of story, creativity, and collaboration as tools for change. Since returning to Athens County in 2005, Emily has continued to lead with heart and vision—graduating from the inaugural Leadership Athens County class, co-chairing its alumni network, and serving on numerous boards, including the Ohio Alliance for Arts Education and the Nelsonville Rotary Club. Emily lives on a farm in Athens County with her husband and sons, where she enjoys crafting, writing, and supporting creative projects that enrich local life. “Emily brings more than communications experience; she brings a way of working that reflects our values of courage, inclusion, trust, collaboration, and hope,” said Kerry Pigman, Executive Director. “Her approach will help deepen relationships, build stronger community ties, and engage more people in more places across Athens County.” From the stages of New York to the heart of Appalachia, Emily has used her voice to lift up others and create spaces where ideas and people thrive. She brings a deep belief in the power of connection, and we’re excited for her to help us engage more people in more places across Athens County. Through storytelling, creative outreach, and authentic collaboration, Emily will help share the incredible voices of our region and strengthen the bonds that move us forward together. In her role at ACF, Emily will lead communications and outreach strategies that align with the Foundation’s mission to build on the strengths of our community, advancing participation and collaboration to address longstanding challenges and pursue extraordinary opportunities. We’re honored to have Emily join the ACF team and look forward to the impact she will make through her storytelling, engagement, and leadership.

Athens Armory opens as new home to Athens County Foundation and BlueDot Coworking

By Mary Reed • October 2, 2025
September 30 open house draws stakeholders and community members alike.
Map of the U.S. with blue dots representing 2025 Civic Hub Grantee locations, sponsored by the Trust for Civic Life.

Athens County Foundation Recognized as One of 26 Civic Hubs Nationwide

September 26, 2025
Big Announcement: Athens County Foundation Receives National Recognition