Leadership is for Everyone
In the summer of 2024, Engage Winona and community partners hosted a series of three block parties that offered pathways for civic participation and community participation, as well as opportunities to have fun, eat, and play with friends and neighbors!
Each block party was co-hosted with community-based organizations Let’s Erase the Stigma, Our Voices, The Joy Labs, and the City of Winona to build relationships, conduct outreach, and maximize impact.
Each event featured 30 different non-profits and community organizations that connected with residents.
Organizations were able to share information about their work, advertise opportunities for leadership, and connect with community members to strengthen community ties.
We partnered with the Winona chapter of the League of Women Voters - creating opportunities for folks to connect with voting information, register to vote, and connect to pathways to participate in civic and community roles.
Leadership is for Everone was made possible with funding through the Winona Community Foundation.
By the numbers
3 block parties hosted over the summer in different neighborhoods across the community
30 non-profits participated at each event
500+ attendees engaged across all three gatherings
Voter information was shared with communities that typically have lower turnout, helping to raise awareness and encourage civic participation.
"We reached people that wouldn't normally vote or weren't educated on where to vote.”
- League of Women Voters of Winona County
In the news
The "Leadership is for Everyone" block parties drew notable attention, both locally and across the state. Media coverage highlighted Engage Winona’s approach to fostering community connections and empowering local residents. By bringing together such a diverse group of Winonans, the events underscored the importance of cultivating community leadership and support.
