In February 2024, two consultants with Focused Community Strategies (FCS), the consulting arm of the Lupton Center in Atlanta, Georgia, made a special visit to Waterloo to work directly with residents in Walnut and Church Row Neighborhoods!

Throughout the training, we explored several powerful concepts and practices:

1. Defining what Community Engagement is
2. Learning 4 Mental Models of a Neighborhood
3. Learning 3 Strategies of Community Engagement
4. Practicing One-on-One Conversations
5. Creating an Engagement Plan with each Neighborhood

We left the training inspired by what we learned about neighborhood systems, as well as challenged to focus on growing our relationships with people down the street in order to help our neighborhoods truly thrive in the future.

Models That Reshape How We See Our Neighborhoods

One of the key resources we gained was a handout that introduces Neighborhood Body Systems (on the left) and the relationship strategies that support them (on the right). This model helps us think about how different parts of a neighborhood interact—just like systems in the human body.

Another visual tool—the Neighborhood as a Solar System—illustrates how neighborhoods relate to external partners, such as nonprofits, government agencies, and businesses. One powerful takeaway from this model is the importance of not overfunctioning. When we try to do everything ourselves, we limit others from contributing. But when we each "stay in our orbit" and trust that everyone has value to offer, we allow our community to grow stronger together.

Putting It Into Practice

Since the training, our neighborhood leadership teams have been implementing these strategies and making strides in community engagement. And we want more residents to be part of it!

Ways to get involved:

• Attend monthly neighborhood meetings
• Share your time, skills, or ideas
• Introduce yourself to a neighbor you haven’t met yet

Whether you're new to the neighborhood or a longtime resident, you have something important to contribute.

If you're curious about our approach or would like to be part of future trainings, please reach out!
📧 jpetersen@webuildhabitat.org
📞 319-240-2857

Together, we can build stronger, more connected neighborhoods—one authentic relationship at a time.
The journey of transformation begins with a conversation. Will you join us?