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.
