The Leadership Development work group, a committee that grew out of our Chariton Listens/Horizons program, is sponsoring a Candidates’ Forum on Thursday May 29th at 7 p.m. at the Vredenburg Center in Chariton. All seven candidates for county supervisor listed on the June 3 primary ballots have been invited to take part. Moderator Ray Meyer will ask questions of the candidates, and audience members will have an opportunity to submit questions of their own.
Our Horizons steering committee is coordinating a Community Resources Fair on Thursday June 19th at Carpenter’s Hall in Chariton. This Community Resources Fair will bring together organizations, agencies and individuals in the community with residents who can benefit from the services they provide. There will be information booths, educational sessions, activities, door prizes and giveaways, free meals, free on-site child care, and more. Call Ruth Comer at the Chariton Chamber office, 774-4059, for more information.
The Ukrainian Church in Chariton jointed with other churches on July 1, 2007 and September 9, 2007 to help with Ecumenical Services. The services were held on the town square prior to major community celebrations, the 4th of July and Chariton’s Sesquicentennial.
The local Shine group is a philanthropic youth organization with the goal of giving community service. Discussions are underway with the leader to conduct the Study Circle curriculum to help the group identify ways they can address poverty in the community.
On January 12, 2008 seven members of the Chariton community participated in a meeting held at Carpenter’s Hall. During the meeting the group learned about projects they could implement in their community to reduce poverty, evaluated their strengths and applied them to their needs, visited with other communities about their Horizons progress, and completed David Beurle’s “Ready, Set, Go” simulation
Participants in Study Circle conversations, led by Barbara Shelton and Greg Neer are developing plans to begin a Youth IDA program. The local banking and school community have been engaged in conversations to seek support. The next stage is to meet with experienced support organizations to develop the structure of the program. Iowa State University Extension will partner with the group to help with education for students and parents.
Horizons members and the local school district are exploring ways to expand adult education in the community. The Superintendent Paula Wright, a Vision meeting participant, and other community members are working with the local Community College to expand services in the community. Kevin Seney, High School Principal, has asked his staff to identify training needs of students prior to graduation that will increase their employment skills. The focus is to make sure that the community is doing what it can to provide opportunities for education and earning potential of community residents.
A group of individuals teamed together at the Vision meeting to determine ways to improve the quality of affordable homes in the community. The group is planning a public meeting to learn about establishment of a Lucas County Housing Trust Fund. Members of the the Lutheran Congregation are currently working to develop a partnership with Habitat for Humanity in Marion County to initiate a project in the community during 2008.
On October 29, our Horizons Leadership Action committee sponsored a Candidates’ Forum for the five candidates running for two City Council seats in Chariton. About 50 citizens, including several high school students, attended and submitted excellent questions for the candidates to address. The local newspaper ran a lengthy article and photo of the event and mentioned that it was sponsored by the Horizons program. Everyone in attendance agreed that it was a valuable exercise in democracy and a great way to promote citizen involvement in local government. Horizons leaders in the community were instrumental in recruiting two of the five candidates on the ballot this year.