Leveraging our network and staff resources, Heart of Indiana United Way advances civic engagement and advocates for changes that foster more resilient and equitable communities. Through these advocacy efforts, we have helped raise awareness about the plight of struggling working families, education achievement gaps, and other critical community challenges such as housing insecurity, childcare, and hunger.

            In this capacity, Heart of Indiana United Way has been happy to partner with Community Lens of Anderson, a local, grassroots, nonpartisan civic group focused on education, participation and advocacy. Established in 2020 as the vision of Kellie Kelley, Community Lens of Anderson has grown in volunteers and engagement. Now, other communities are asking to learn more about the group’s efforts to create safe spaces where citizens are encouraged to understand government, identify their own priorities, and learn to use their voices for the good of all.

For the past three years, Heart of Indiana United Way has been proud to partner with Community Lens of Anderson because of their nonpartisan approach and the strong alignment of our missions. The main way we partner is through offering our Director of Family Success Annie Wood Bell’s time, expertise, and knowledge. We also convene individuals and groups around this shared focus.  

            On Monday, October 7, Community Lens of Anderson will post on their website (communitylensanderson.org) and social media channels the 5^th edition of their nonpartisan Voter Guide. The Voter Guide provides voters with accessible information about the candidates on the ballot and the positions they are running for—all in one convenient place. Because decisions made at local offices often have the greatest impact on local constituents, the Voter Guide has focused more heavily on the local candidates. However, this is the first year the guide will expand more fully to cover the county, state, and federal positions!

            Another partnership between Community Lens of Anderson and Heart of Indiana United Way is the Community Civic Café series. On October 7, 6:30-7:30 p.m. at the Anderson Public Library’s Delaware Room, the next café session will dive into reviewing and explaining the Voter Guide. All are welcome, and light snacks will be provided by United Way.

In these politically charged times, it’s refreshing for citizens to unite peacefully for civil discourse and information sharing. Perhaps there is no better example of how this can and should be done than in Anderson, Indiana. On Saturday, September 28, at the 2024 Civic Learning Symposium hosted by Ball State University’s Center for Economic and Civic Learning, two Community Lens of Anderson team members, Annie Wood Bell and Cherilyn Horning, will be presenting “Grassroots Civics: How Smalltown Anderson is Stepping Up.”

Take pride, Anderson, in this important advocacy work—and be sure you are registered to vote by end of business on October 7^th! Early voting begins October 8th.