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 Neighborhood Leadership Workshop Series (NLWS) program invites applicants from Cleveland Heights residents/business owners.  Additionally, for the first time since the program began in 2015, we will also have a few spots for University Heights residents/business owners as well.

Please note: SPACE IN THE PROGRAM IS LIMITED and as of January 2, 2024, this year’s cohort is full!  Interested residents should continue to submit their applications all the way up until the January 12 deadline to be placed on the waitlist, in case a spot opens up.

More program details here.

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.

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

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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 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.

We are pleased to announced that eight projects were awarded Fall 2023 Neighborhood Mini-Grants for a total of award allocation of $4,892.  All in all in 2023, the Neighborhood Mini-Grant program had its biggest year ever, awarding 21 projects a total of $15,392. 

Here’s a bit more information about each awarded project:

• PROJECT: “Explore and Connect” by Lake Erie Ink; AWARD: $1,000. This 3-day program will take place during Spring Break 2024. Here, students from Noble and Oxford will learn more about their neighborhood by conducting interviews with Heights leaders.  Students will then write about their experiences and have their work on display around the neighborhood. Funds will support the program facilitation and supplies.

• PROJECT: “Noble Pride – A Thoughtful Makeover” by Noble Elementary PTA; AWARD: $1,000. PTA members will collaborate with students, school staff, and neighbors to give the exterior of the elementary school a makeover. They believe that the perception of safety is tied to a sense of cleanliness and care for a space – and how that can have a ripple effect out into the surrounding neighborhood. PTA members view this project as a reflection of neighborhood pride while encouraging respect, humility, and compassion for all stakeholders. Funds will support paying an artist to work with the group to create some public art, hosting a celebration, and purchasing materials to help with the neighborhood cleanup aspect of the project.

• PROJECT: “Heights Halloween Festival” by Dobama Theatre; AWARD: $750. This annual event is a beloved tradition that seems to be growing every year and allows for Dobama Theatre to develop connections with youth and families in the community.  Funds will support the inclusion of festival artists and performers.

• PROJECT: “Noble Pride – A Thoughtful Makeover” by Noble Elementary PTA; AWARD: $1,000. PTA members will collaborate with students, school staff, and neighbors to give the exterior of the elementary school a makeover. They believe that the perception of safety is tied to a sense of cleanliness and care for a space – and how that can have a ripple effect out into the surrounding neighborhood. PTA members view this project as a reflection of neighborhood pride while encouraging respect, humility, and compassion for all stakeholders. Grant dollars will support paying an artist to work with the group to create some public art, hosting a celebration, and purchasing materials to help with the neighborhood cleanup aspect of the project.

• PROJECT: “Lantern Festival” by Coventry PEACE Inc.; AWARD: $500. This popular event, coming up on Saturday, December 9, has seen steady growth over the last few years and is expected to draw even more this year. Their programming includes lantern making (a family-friendly activity) as well as a community-participation parade through Coventry Village.  Grant funds will support the inclusion of artists and performers at the Festival.

• PROJECT: “Coventry Village Holiday Festival” by Coventry Special Improvement District; AWARD: $500. This annual December holiday event, scheduled this year for Saturday, December 9, draws attention to the business district and supports the local economy.  For this year’s festivities, event organizers are working to engage even more with the merchants, especially restaurants that are typically closed in the evening when the festival occurs.  Funds support the purchase of materials needed to execute the event.

• PROJECT: “The Heights Community Land Trust” by Boulevard Neighbors; AWARD: $350. ​A Community Land Trust is a model for perpetually affordable home ownership in which a nonprofit owns and manages the land, individuals own the homes on the land, and the land is managed by a board of directors including the homeowners, other community members and people with expertise. The homes are bought at an affordable price, with a deed restriction requiring that they sell it at an affordable price, albeit with some equity, which allows the owner to build equity while ensuring that the property remains perpetually affordable. Boulevard Neighbors’ goal is to start a pilot project with a single property by the summer of 2024, with the potential to expand to additional properties if this pilot project is deemed successful.  Funds will support the group’s creation of a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

• PROJECT: “Cain Park Beautification, 2024 Phase” by Friends of Cain Park; AWARD: $250. This popular event, coming up on Saturday, December 9, has seen steady growth over the last few years and is expected to draw even more this year. Their programming includes lantern making (a family-friendly activity) as well as a community-participation parade through Coventry Village.  Grant funds will support the inclusion of artists and performers at the Festival.

Learn more about our program  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.

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RSVP for our June 29th event here.

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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 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.

Support your neighborhood through FutureHeights. Your donation supports community-building and development efforts for neighborhoods within Cleveland Heights and University Heights, Ohio.

• Become a FutureHeights supporter here.
• Become a sponsor for our Annual Benefit here.

Any questions, please email info@futureheights.org.

MAY THE 4TH BE WITH YOU

WHEN & WHERE • May 4, 2023 at Coventry PEACE Campus, 2843 Washington Blvd.

RSVP here.

Doors open at 5:30pm. At 6pm, we will unleash the full power of leadership as we introduce our new Executive Director, Kristine Pagsuyoin, and highlight the transformative impact of our FREE programs. As you mingle with like-minded rebels, you’ll be able to enjoy a variety of themed refreshments. Join a committee or become a member of our organization, and experience the power of community building. You’ll also have the chance to win exciting prizes and enjoy special drawings, all while hearing from community leaders and staying informed about the latest developments throughout the Heights galaxy. Don’t miss this opportunity to harness the force and build a brighter future at FutureHeights.

Join us for MAY THE 4TH BE WITH YOU, and let’s unite our powers to create positive change in our neighborhoods!

NO RSVP IS REQUIRED, but certain appreciated — click HERE for the Eventbrite link.  All are welcome.  This event is free to attend.

Any questions, please email us at info@futureheights.org.