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Welcome to a transformative journey towards a brighter future for our community. Today, we delve into the 16 themes of change, a collective affirmation to drive equitable investment and foster growth in every corner of our neighborhood. After months of focus group conversations, we've pinpointed 16 critical areas that members of our community passionately want to improve. These themes represent our collective voice and our shared vision for a thriving community. Let's explore each theme and discover how affirming these can pave the way for real, sustainable change:

1. Arts and Culture: I AFFIRM my support for a community in which residents of all ages and backgrounds are encouraged and empowered to both experience and express ourselves through the arts.

2. Civic Engagement: I AFFIRM my support for a community in which leadership development is nurtured and our neighborhood leaders are able to become part of both political and organizational processes that shape what occurs in our neighborhood.

3. Communication: I AFFIRM my support for a community where both clear and comprehensive communication channels not only present, but consistently supported and widely utilized so that we know what is happening in our neighborhood.

4. Employment: I AFFIRM my support for a community where no matter our age or background, we have the opportunity to be both gainfully employed and personally empowered to financially support ourselves and our loved ones.

5. Education: I AFFIRM my support for a community where our children, youth, and adults have access to the tools and resources to be both lifelong long learners and knowledge contributors to one another.

6. Health: I AFFIRM my support for a community where we not only have the opportunity to learn more about how to stay healthy, but where we also have healthy food options near where we live.

7. Financial Empowerment: I AFFIRM my support for a community where we are empowered to pursue financial independence and upward financial mobility through learning opportunities, fair and equitable access to non-predatory banking services, as well as access to capital for business investment.

8. Well-being: I AFFIRM my support for a community where we are easily able to attend to both our physical and psychological well-being.

9. Housing: I AFFIRM my support for a community where there is affordable, quality, and attractive home ownership and rental housing options that exist for me and for my family.

10. Investment in Community: I AFFIRM my support for a community where residents and visitors are inspired to spend more of our time, money, and energy in. We desire a community that is not only a source of pride for District 1 residents, but for the entire City of Wichita.

11. Reentry Support: I AFFIRM my support for a community where formerly incarcerated individuals who seek ways to be positive and productive members of our society are able to receive basic support for successful reentry.

12. Collaboration & Innovation: I AFFIRM my support for a community where all of us whether we live here, work here, or play here, we are all are both encouraged and empowered to support each other through sincere collaboration and out-the-box innovation. No more silos.

13. Transportation: I AFFIRM my support for a community that facilitates the movement of people through transportation options that truly meet our needs.

14. Technology: I AFFIRM my support for a community that leverages technology to enhance our daily lives, improve access to services, and foster innovative solutions to our challenges. We are committed to bridging the digital divide and ensuring every community member can benefit from technological advancements.

15. University Relations: I AFFIRM my support for a community that enjoys a mutually beneficial relationship with our local university.

16. Youth Empowerment: I AFFIRM my support for a community where our young people can thrive.

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These 16 themes are not mere aspirations; they are commitments to action. By affirming these themes, we pledge to work together to address the specific needs and aspirations of our community. Each theme is a building block for a stronger, more vibrant community, setting the stage for equitable investment and inclusive growth. Our collective affirmation of these 16 themes marks the beginning of an exciting chapter in our community's story. It's a commitment to action, a promise of betterment, and a testament to what we can achieve together. Join us in this transformative journey, and let's build a community that embodies the spirit of these themes every day.