WE INVITE YOU TO VISIT OUR CO-CREATED ADEI RESOURCE LIBRARY!

We know and believe that “Black History Month” is not only for February. FutureHeights is committed to utilizing a lens of Anti-Racism Diversity Equity and Inclusion (ADEI) in our work each and every day. We are forever on a quest to continue our education, both individually (as a staff member, board member, or committee member) and collectively.

As part of that process, our Community & Civic Engagement Committee (CCEC) is curating this resource library through input from the FutureHeights family and through our community partners, friends, and neighbors.  If you have a suggestion for an addition to the library, please click here and complete this form or email Sarah at swolf@futureheights.org.

If you are interested in joining CCEC, please email Sarah – swolf@futureheights.org.

ACCESS THE ADEI RESOURCE LIBRARY HERE!

If you have any questions or feedback about this resource library, please reach out to Sarah – swolf@futureheights.org.

VOTING IS NOW OPEN!

In 2022, we discussed ways for residents to get more actively involved in Sustainability, Housing and Neighborhood Preservation, Community Safety, and Civic Engagement.  In 2023, we talked about Our Public Schools, Traveling Around Town, Building Community with Renters and Landlords, and Planning and Development in the Heights.

VOTE NOW

THANK YOU to everyone who came out to enjoy the HOP with us on September 23rd!  We’d appreciate hearing your feedback about our event.  Please take a few minutes to fill out a brief survey to let us know about your experience at the Heights Music Hop.  Click here to get started.

2023 Heights Music Hop – Presented by FutureHeights in Partnership with the City of Cleveland Heights

Celebrating 10 Years!
Saturday, September 23, 10am to 12pm – Noble Gardeners’ Market at Roanoke Noble Gardens

Saturday, September 23, 6pm to 10pm – Cedar Lee Business District

The Annual Heights Music Hop is a one of kind music festival combining great local music with local businesses in Cleveland Heights to support local shopping, businesses, and musicians while promoting the Heights as a great place to live, own a business or visit.

Volunteers Wanted!  If you are interested in the coolest volunteer gig this fall, fill out our 2023 Heights Music Hop Volunteer Form.

Questions about volunteering? Contact Brenda Bailey, bbailey@futureheights.org or call 216-320-1423

Learn more about the venues & the lineups here.

Thanks to everyone who attended our event on Thursday, November 2nd!

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How Crowdsourced Conversations flows:

Step One: The Survey!

• The purpose of our survey is to reach as many Heights stakeholders as possible in order to generate meaningful action-oriented small group discussion questions for our event on the topic.
• This survey iss live September 1-September 30, 2023.

Step Two:  The Data!

• Once the survey closes, we will generate a report to share the results.  This report will be housed on the FutureHeights website and will be shared with community partners, elected officials, and more.
• We will also use the survey results to generate small group discussion questions for our Crowdsourced Conversations event on the topic.

Step Three: The Conversation!

• All Heights residents/stakeholders are encouraged to participate in our Crowdsourced Conversations forum.
• While there will be brief opening remarks by guest speakers, this forum series emphasizes the small group discussions that are action-oriented and strengths-based.
• This event will take place Thursday, November 2nd from 7pm-8:30pm at the Lee Road Library, Meeting Room A. RSVP here.
  • This event is free to attend and will be in-person only.
  • Each attendee should register separately.
  • If you are returning CC’23 participant, you will be reunited with your group members so you can continue building your connections with them.

Step Four: The Follow-up! 

• After our forum night, all event participants will have the opportunity to stay connected to the other members of their small group discussion and will receive electronic copies of the survey report and any other resources utilized during the event.
• All event participants will also be able to help us co-create a Resource Page on the forum topic that will live on the FutureHeights website.

This forum series will be an opportunity to connect with other Heights residents about topics that impact us in a variety of overlapping ways. We hope you can join us for all four conversations! Any questions, connect with Sarah – swolf@futureheights.org.

THANK YOU!

This forum series is being planned in partnership with FutureHeights Community & Civic Engagement Committee, Reaching Heights, CH-UH Libraries, Home Repair Resource Center, City of Cleveland Heights Racial Justice Task Force, Racial Inequity Repair Committee of Forest Hill Church, Cleveland Heights Green Team, representatives of Cleveland Heights City Council, and more.  Thank you for the joy, wisdom, and enthusiasm you bring to the table!

MORE FORUM DETAILS HERE.

The 2024 Neighborhood Leadership Workshop Series (NLWS) applications are now open!  This program is open to any Cleveland Heights resident/business owner.  Additionally, for the first time since the program began in 2015, we will also have a select few spots for University Heights residents/business owners as well!

More program details here.

Link to application here.

Interested in learning more about NLWS before applying?

Attend an info session!  These virtual office hours allow you to drop in and get your questions answered about our skills-based program.

2024 Info Sessions:

• Wednesday, September 20, 4pm-5pm
• Wednesday, October 11, 4pm-5pm
• Wednesday, October 25, 4pm-5pm
• Wednesday, November 8, 4pm-5pm
• Wednesday, November 29, 4pm-5pm
• Wednesday, December 13, 4pm-5pm
• Wednesday, January 10, 4pm-5pm

Advanced registration via Eventbrite is required to receive the Zoom link.  If you are not able to attend any of the info sessions but would still like to chat with Sarah before applying, reach out to her at swolf@futureheights.org to set up a meeting time of your convenience

Click here to register for an NLWS Info Session.

Questions, connect with Sarah – swolf@futureheights.org.

We are thrilled to welcome Brenda Bailey and Kasia Bufford to the FutureHeights staff!

Brenda Bailey
Administrative Assistant and Volunteer Coordinator

Brenda moved to Cleveland Heights in 2020 and quickly adopted the catchphrase “and I can walk there from my house!” She loves the accessibility and diversity of this city, and embraces its shop local philosophy. Brenda comes to FutureHeights with a background in higher education and publishing and a commitment to civic engagement. A lifelong volunteer herself, she looks forward to building a volunteer base to support FutureHeights programming and the Heights community. If you would like to explore volunteer opportunities, please click here. Contact Brenda at bbailey@futureheights.org.

Kasia Bufford
Heights Music Hop Manager

Kasia is a Cleveland Heights native and resident who possesses a strong passion for music, urban planning, and community development. Currently serving as the Heights Music Hop Manager at FutureHeights, she skillfully combines her background in Youth Development and Non-profit Administration with her love for music to create inclusive spaces that empower young talents and foster connections among diverse communities. Beyond her community work, Kasia is also an accomplished musician, driven by her belief in the unifying and transformative power of music. Dedicated to cultivating vibrant and harmonious environments where every voice is celebrated, she strives to leave a lasting impact on the community she holds dear. Contact Kasia at kbufford@futureheights.org.

Join the Heights Observer staff for one, two, or all three workshops!

ABOUT THE WORKSHOPS: The Heights Observer is a hyper-local newspaper that shares community news and events in Cleveland Heights and University Heights.  While the Observer has an editorial and technical staff, all of the content comes from residents like yourself!  These workshops aim to help de-mystify the process of joining the ranks of citizen journalist and bringing your voice into the process.

WORKSHOP #1: How to Write for the Heights Observer – Sept. 12, 7-8:15 pm

• • What we will and won’t publish
  • Asking the right questions
  • Writing made easier
  • News v. opinion
  • Hitting the right length
  • How to submit your article for publication
  • Q&A

WORKSHOP #2: How to Take Better Photos with your Phone (for the Observer and anything else) – Sept. 19, 7-8:15 pm

• What are the elements of a good Observer photo
• Phone photo basics

• • Resolution
  • Composition
  • Lighting
• Q&A

WORKSHOP #3: Understanding How the Observer Works – Oct. 3. 7-8:15 pm

• News v Opinion: How we decide
• Article length: Why it’s limited and how to deal with it
• Why some contributions don’t get published
• Public figures vs. private figures and the different treatment they receive
• Election policy
• Q&A

Register for one, two, or all three of these workshops here.

Advanced registration is required in order for you to receive the Zoom link.  Questions, please reach out to Bob at brosenbaum@heightsobserver.org.

DETAILS FOR EVENT NIGHT:

Here is what you need to know to get ready for a whimsical evening in the woods!

Crowdsourced Conversations 2023’s third forum topic is “Building Community with Renters and Landlords.” Join us August 30th for our event on the topic — all are welcome!  Councilman Tony Cuda and Cole Ware (Coventry Neighborhood Group, Coventry Living Room Project) will offer opening remarks before we dive into our small group discussions geared around ways to strengthen our neighborhood cohesion.

____________________________________

RSVP for our “Building Community with Renters and Landlords” Crowdsourced Conversations event here.

____________________________________

How Crowdsourced Conversations flows:

Step One: The Survey!

• The purpose of our survey is to reach as many Heights stakeholders as possible in order to generate meaningful action-oriented small group discussion questions for our event on the topic.
• This survey was live July 1-July 31, 2023.

Step Two:  The Data!

• Once the survey closes, we will generate a report to share the results.  This report will be housed on the FutureHeights website and will be shared with community partners, elected officials, and more.
• We will also use the survey results to generate small group discussion questions for our Crowdsourced Conversations event on the topic.

Step Three: The Conversation!

• All Heights residents/stakeholders are encouraged to participate in our Crowdsourced Conversations forum.
• While there will be brief opening remarks by guest speakers, this forum series emphasizes the small group discussions that are action-oriented and strengths-based.
• This event will take place Wednesday, August 30, 7pm-8:30pm at Beth El the Heights Synagogue (3246 Desota Avenue). RSVP here.
  • This event is free to attend and will be in-person only.
  • Each attendee should register separately.
  • If you are returning CC’23 participant, you will be reunited with your group members so you can continue building your connections with them.
  • Please note: the event will take place in Beth El the Heights Synagogue’s social room, which is accessible by stairs or elevator.  If you should require any assistance, please reach out to Sarah (swolf@futureheights.org).

Step Four: The Follow-up! 

• After our forum night, all event participants will have the opportunity to stay connected to the other members of their small group discussion and will receive electronic copies of the survey report and any other resources utilized during the event.
• All event participants will also be able to help us co-create a Resource Page on the forum topic that will live on the FutureHeights website.

This forum series will be an opportunity to connect with other Heights residents about topics that impact us in a variety of overlapping ways. We hope you can join us for all four conversations! Any questions, connect with Sarah – swolf@futureheights.org.

THANK YOU!

This forum series is being planned in partnership with FutureHeights Community & Civic Engagement Committee, Reaching Heights, CH-UH Libraries, Home Repair Resource Center, City of Cleveland Heights Racial Justice Task Force, Racial Inequity Repair Committee of Forest Hill Church, Cleveland Heights Green Team, representatives of Cleveland Heights City Council, and more.  Thank you for the joy, wisdom, and enthusiasm you bring to the table!

MORE FORUM DETAILS HERE.

Calling all Cleveland Heights and University Heights change-makers: tell us about your dream projects for your neighborhoods by applying for a Neighborhood Mini-Grant!  We can offer up to $1,000 in funding to help you start or sustain the community-building work you are doing. 

The deadline to apply is September 15. 

Learn more about our program and access the application here. 

Any questions, Sarah has answers – contact her at swolf@futureheights.org.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to poor air quality warnings, tonight’s event has been moved to Coventry PEACE.  All other event details remain the same.

____________________________________

RSVP for our June 29th event here.

____________________________________

How Crowdsourced Conversations flows:

Step One: The Survey!

• The purpose of our survey is to reach as many Heights stakeholders as possible in order to generate meaningful action-oriented small group discussion questions for our event on the topic.
• This survey was live May 1-May 31, 2023. 

Step Two:  The Data!

• Once the survey closes, we will generate a report to share the results.  This report will be housed on the FutureHeights website and will be shared with community partners, elected officials, and more.
• We will also use the survey results to generate small group discussion questions for our Crowdsourced Conversations event on the topic.

Step Three: The Conversation!

• All Heights residents/stakeholders are encouraged to participate in our Crowdsourced Conversations forum.
• While there will be brief opening remarks by guest speakers, this forum series emphasizes the small group discussions that are action-oriented and strengths-based.
• This event will take place Thursday, June 29 from 7pm-8:30pm at Coventry PEACE (2843 Washington Blvd)
  • This event is free to attend and will be in-person only.
  • Each attendee should register separately.
  • If you are returning CC’23 participant, you will be reunited with your group members so you can continue building your connections with them.
  • We are thrilled to welcome University Heights Councilman Brian King and Deidre McPherson (Bike Cleveland, Heights Biking Coalition) as our opening speakers.
  • RSVP here.

Step Four: The Follow-up! 

• After our forum night, all event participants will have the opportunity to stay connected to the other members of their small group discussion and will receive electronic copies of the survey report and any other resources utilized during the event.
• All event participants will also be able to help us co-create a Resource Page on the forum topic that will live on the FutureHeights website.

This forum series will be an opportunity to connect with other Heights residents about topics that impact us in a variety of overlapping ways. We hope you can join us for all four conversations! Any questions, connect with Sarah – swolf@futureheights.org.

THANK YOU!

This forum series is being planned in partnership with FutureHeights Community & Civic Engagement Committee, Reaching Heights, CH-UH Libraries, Home Repair Resource Center, City of Cleveland Heights Racial Justice Task Force, Racial Inequity Repair Committee of Forest Hill Church, Cleveland Heights Green Team, representatives of Cleveland Heights City Council, and more.  Thank you for the joy, wisdom, and enthusiasm you bring to the table!

MORE FORUM DETAILS HERE.