https://www.communityheartandsoul.org/
Community Heart & Soul is a community-development model that helps small cities and towns involve residents in shaping the future of their community. Created by the Orton Family Foundation, the approach focuses on gathering the values, stories, and aspirations of local people and using them to guide planning, decision-making, and long-term development.
Core Idea: The model is based on the belief that a community’s “heart and soul” is defined by the people who live there. Instead of top-down planning, the process emphasizes broad, inclusive participation so that decisions reflect what residents truly care about.
Key Goals:
- Engage a broad cross-section of residents, including people who are often left out of civic processes.
- Identify what matters most to the community (values, traditions, culture, priorities).
- Translate those priorities into action through policies, projects, and planning.
- Strengthen community trust and cohesion by encouraging open dialogue and shared ownership of outcomes.
Typical Process: Communities using the Heart & Soul model usually move through several stages:
- Build a Team – Local leaders and volunteers form a guiding group.
- Engage the Community – Outreach events, conversations, surveys, storytelling, and creative activities gather input from many residents.
- Identify “Heart & Soul Statements” – Themes emerge that capture what people value about their community.
- Turn Ideas into Action – Local governments and organizations incorporate those values into planning, zoning, economic development, and community projects.
Outcomes: Communities that complete the process often report:
- Stronger civic engagement
- More inclusive decision-making
- Clearer long-term community vision
