What if the most powerful tool for strengthening our community isn’t a new program or policy—but a conversation?
At Heart of Indiana United Way, that belief is at the core of our work. We have learned that meaningful change starts not with assumptions, but with listening—deeply and intentionally—to the people who call this community home.
That’s why we are inviting people in Madison County to “Heart to Heart Conversations.” These aren’t formal hearings or one-way presentations. They are simple, guided discussions, more like what you might experience around a kitchen table. We ask questions that begin with hope: What do you want for our community? How does that differ from today’s reality? What stands in the way? And who do you trust to help move things forward?
These conversations are facilitated to ensure every voice is heard, with participants’ insights captured anonymously. Over time, as more conversations take place, patterns emerge—shared concerns, common aspirations. This “public knowledge” becomes a powerful foundation for action when paired with research, data, and proven practices.
Our approach is grounded in training from the Harwood Institute for Public Innovation, which emphasizes turning outward—engaging communities as partners rather than recipients. Because real transformation doesn’t happen to people or for people. It happens with them.
We are intentional about inviting a broad and diverse range of voices into these conversations. We seek perspectives from all walks of life, especially those who are too often overlooked or unheard. The result is a more complete, honest understanding of our community’s needs, strengths and dynamics.
This isn’t a one-time effort. Listening is ongoing. This approach is what launched the THRIVE Network in Madison County—to help struggling working families become financially secure. We’ve used this approach to help Muncie Community Schools shape its innovation plan, and to guide our own work around building a more inclusive, welcoming region. Now, we are entering a new phase—engaging families to inform our role in families’ success from cradle to career.
Research shows that ensuring children reach key developmental milestones—from kindergarten readiness to third grade reading and beyond—sets them on a path toward financial security. As we help families become more financially stable, we are also working to ensure young children have access to the resources they need for a healthy start.
And once again, we’re beginning by listening. We want to hear directly from parents and caregivers of young children about their experiences, challenges, and hopes.
Because the future of our community depends on getting this right—and that starts with hearing from you. If you are expecting a child or caring for a young one, consider joining the conversation. Your voice matters more than you might think.