United Way invites community to converse

The United Way of Southeast Missouri is holding meetings with the public to collect information to steer future programming.

The next of these Community Conversations will be from 5 to 7 p.m. today at the Shawnee Park Center, and will focus on the topic of health.

A previous Community Conversation focused on education, and a third, set for February, will be on income.

The purpose of these conversations is to get input from the community on each topic and identify strengths and challenges, according to the United Way.

The organization's goal is to reach long-term solutions as it approaches its next three-year funding cycle next year. Once the series is completed, the United Way plans to share its findings.

"These community conversations are a forum to connect and share concerns, learn facts and identify skills and resources to keep our community healthy and safe," Melissa Stickel, the United Way's director of operations and community impact, said in a new release.

The United Way's fundraising target for this year's campaign is $975,000.

When people take the step to become involved in solving their community's problems, it can instill a sense of ownership and pride. Once that change in attitude takes place, the community is then able to take responsibility and make the necessary changes.

The United Way is providing a great platform for positive change, and everyone is encouraged to take advantage of that opportunity.

Those wishing to attend tonight's meeting may register at unitedwayofsemo.org/communityconversation.