Resolutions for Our Communities: A Guide for 2025
by Dr. Ashlee Kelly
As the new year begins, many of us take the time to reflect on our personal goals. We craft mission statements, set intentions, and design vision boards encompassing our dreams for health, career, relationships, and personal growth. But what if we extended this practice to the places we call home? As we seek clarity and direction for our individual lives, our neighborhoods deserve the same thoughtful attention and planning.
Neighborhoods are the foundation of our communities. They are where we live, connect, and thrive. When we intentionally engage our neighborhoods, we create spaces that reflect the values, aspirations, and needs of those who reside there. Here are some ways we can collectively set goals and craft a vision for our neighborhoods in the new year:
Create a Neighborhood Mission Statement
Every neighborhood has unique strengths and challenges. A mission statement can serve as a guiding principle for addressing these. What do you envision for your community? Safety? Sustainability? Vibrancy? Bringing neighbors together to articulate a shared purpose can provide clarity and unity for future initiatives.
Set SMART Goals for Improvement
Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART) goals help focus efforts and ensure progress. For example:
Organize quarterly neighborhood cleanups.
Increase neighborhood association membership by 25 percent by the end of the year.
Host three community events to strengthen social bonds.
Create a Neighborhood Vision Board
A vision board isn’t just for personal aspirations. Gather neighbors to design a physical or digital board that showcases collective dreams for the neighborhood. Include visuals of beautification projects, community events, or even infrastructure improvements. Seeing these goals represented visually can inspire action and collaboration.
Engage in Collaborative Planning
Neighborhoods thrive when everyone has a voice. Host planning meetings where residents can contribute ideas and volunteer to lead projects. Collaboration fosters a sense of ownership and accountability among community members.
Measure Progress and Celebrate Success
As the year progresses, revisit your mission statement and goals to track progress. Celebrate wins, no matter how small, to maintain momentum and encourage continued participation.
Last but certainly not least, engage with the Jackson Association of Neighborhoods (JAN). For over 30 years, our mission has been to help Jackson strengthen neighborhoods by working with neighborhoods, organizations, and stakeholders to become more effective at solving problems and improving their communities. Subscribe to our newsletter, follow us on Facebook and Instagram, and learn how to get involved and share opportunities with us to engage you better.
As the newly elected president of JAN, I am excited to build on the organization’s legacy by setting clear strategic goals, enhancing communication, and fostering strong partnerships with local stakeholders. My vision includes empowering our leaders with training opportunities, increasing visibility for JAN’s impactful work, and organizing signature events that engage our broader community. By ensuring inclusivity, I aim to create a sustainable, collaborative, and vibrant network that benefits all neighborhoods in Jackson.
Let's make 2025 the year we set bold, collective intentions for our neighborhoods. We are a better, deeply connected, and supportive community by treating our neighborhoods as extensions of ourselves. Just as personal goals lead to individual growth, neighborhood goals can transform our communities into places we're proud to call home.
About Dr. Ashlee Kelly: Dr. Ashlee Kelly is executive director of the Mid City Community Development Corporation, co-founder/principal at The Kelly Factory, and president of the Jackson Association of Neighborhoods.
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