Community Conversations

In order to understand and better serve the needs of our community, United Way gathers groups of community members to hear their thoughts on where the community is and where we should be heading. We want to learn from their experiences, understand their concerns and offer them the opportunity to share their aspirations and desire for change.

Inspired by the work of The Harwood Institute, the conversations consist of 90-minute, “kitchen table” style discussions where groups of no more than 12 participants share their opinions about the community. Groups are comprised of community members from various ages, backgrounds, ethnicities and experiences.

Community Conversation Reports

The 2024 Community Conversations cycle gathered feedback from parents, students and staff of United Way's community schools: Knapp Community School, Julian Thomas Community School and the Academies of Racine at Mitchell Community School. A report is available here.

Previous report PDFs:

• Knapp Community School (English) (Spanish)
• Julian Thomas Community School (English) (Spanish)
• Academies of Racine at Mitchell Community School (English) (Spanish)
• 2018-19 — Julian Thomas Community School Transformation (English) (Spanish)
• 2017-18 — Race, Equity and Inclusion Year 2 (English)
• 2016-17 — Race, Equity and Inclusion Year 1 (English)
• 2015-16 — Building an Educated Workforce (English)

What will United Way do with the feedback?

• United Way of Racine County uses the information to further engage the community, find new partners, develop strategies and mobilize resources.
• The information shapes United Way’s strategic plan and the future direction of the organization.
• United Way of Racine County shares the findings with the Racine community by publishing a report.

Join the Conversation

Conversations can be held on-site by request. If your business, organization or group would be interested in hosting a conversation, please contact Jessica Safransky Schacht at (262) 898-2251 for more information.