IDEA Conference will have a “full house”

Organizers of the eighth annual Neighborhood IDEA Conference will have a “full house” at the free March 4 event on Ball State University’s campus.

Registration for the event, as of Feb. 13, is at capacity.

“The IDEA Conference is my favorite day in Muncie,” said Heather Williams, program manager for Building Better Neighborhoods and Muncie Action Plan (MAP) vice president. “It brings together Muncie’s changemakers and cheerleaders – residents who work every day to build community and improve the lives of others. It’s an opportunity to learn from those who make a difference, to share not only the successes of that work, but the struggles as well. The love and support shown that day helps invigorate my work throughout the rest of the year.”

And trust us, she’s not “bluffing.” Williams and the rest of the team of organizers are “putting all their cards on the table” for this event, which, if you haven’t guessed already, will have a fun poker theme. Participants will receive actual playing cards at each session they attend. Aces and eights (representing the eighth year of the event) will be “wild.” “Winning hands” at the end of the event will receive prizes.

The Intentional Development and Education for Association (IDEA) conference brings together leaders representing Muncie’s neighborhoods to develop and strengthen community-building skills. IDEA presenters will provide leadership training, share best practices for engaging residents, and connect neighborhoods with community resources.

 “Shafer Leadership Academy is a founding partner of the IDEA Conference,” said Mitch Isaacs, executive director of Shafer Leadership Academy. “We believe in this conference because we believe in the ability of grassroots leaders to impact their community. We are proud to work with Ball State Office of Community Engagement, Muncie Action Plan, and the City of Muncie to equip, and empower, neighborhood leaders across our community.”

The conference will begin at 9 a.m. and end at 3:30 p.m. in the second-floor ballroom of the L.A. Pittenger Student Center at Ball State.

Registration is now closed for the event.

The event is hosted by Building Better Neighborhoods, Muncie Action Plan and Shafer Leadership Academy. Contributing sponsors include Ball State Office of Community Engagement, City of Muncie, Woof Boom Radio Program Sponsors: Ball Brothers Foundation, HOPE, Inc., and Pink Leaf.

See the IDEA website for up-to-date schedule information!