Neighbor Power Indy
Workshops
Each year we highlight inspiring stories from neighbors and organizations across Indianapolis in the form of workshops. The Neighbor Power Indy 2026 theme will be “Many Communities, One City”.
Call for Presenters Now Open
for Neighbor Power Indy 2026
Join us as a presenter and share your community-based stories and best practices at our annual conference attended by 200+ community members, organizations, and elected officials.
Why Should I Share?
- A description of your presentation will be included in Neighbor Power Indy materials.
- You will be part of an impactful event attended by over 200 neighborhood residents, community group leaders, business owners, representatives of local nonprofits, corporate and philanthropic partners, and government officials.
- You will have a great opportunity to engage with neighbors through open dialogue and idea exchange.
Timeline for Submissions
- December 31, 2025 Proposal Submissions Due
- January 12, 2025 Presenters Finalized and Notified
- January 21 (6-7:30 PM): Free Storytelling Training for Presenter
- February 11, 2026 Presentations Due
2025 Workshops
Neighborhood Fundraising: How to Build Partnerships to Meet Your Community’s Goal – Fountain Fletcher District Association
This presentation provided real-life tips on fundraising for neighborhood-level projects. Participants left with templates and activities to begin building partnerships in their communities.
Better Together: Partnering with Grassroots Projects – People We Meet on the Bus
People We Meet on the Bus, a collaborative zine celebrating solidarity through art, engaged the community through poetry pop-ups and partnerships. The workshop explored strategies for supporting grassroots efforts and brainstorming ways to organize community projects.
The Power of Gathering: Igniting Unity Through Art, Community, and Innovation – The Bridge & Charity Cares
This workshop shared proven strategies to connect community needs with volunteer passions using themes, smart planning, and storytelling. Participants created event plans tailored to their communities and gained tools to inspire action and lasting impact.
Navigating Street Safety: A Case Study in Neighborhood Engagement – Fletcher Place Neighborhood Association
Fletcher Place engaged in a year-long discussion about balancing car-friendly infrastructure with pedestrian and bicycle safety on McCarty St. and College Ave. This session presented key lessons learned to help other neighborhoods navigate similar debates.
Introduction to the Neighborhood Development Resource – NESCO
This workshop introduced the Accela Citizens Access Portal, which provides information on zoning permits, code enforcement, and historical preservation. Participants learned how to access and use these resources to better inform their communities.
Building Stronger Communities: Neighborhood Organization & Resource Collaboration – Fatima Perry
This interactive workshop empowered community leaders and residents to foster collaboration and maximize neighborhood resources. Attendees explored successful models, identified local assets, and developed actionable plans to strengthen communication and partnerships.
Grant Writing for the Non-Grant Writer – Warfleigh Neighborhood Association
This workshop taught participants how to develop a basic grant application to support their communities. Attendees learned about grant sections, researching areas of interest, and writing strong goals and objectives.
Empowering People & Partnerships to Drive Community Impact – IndyGo
This workshop highlighted IndyGo’s Transit Ambassador and IndyGo Cares programs, which empower individuals and connect communities to essential resources. Participants gained insights into using transportation as a tool for social change and learned how to get involved.
Using Art and Placemaking to Build Community – 1000 Words Inc.
This session guided participants in creating impactful art projects that beautify and strengthen communities. Attendees received tools to assess project impact and collaborated to bring their ideas to life.
Supporting Local Businesses – Joanne Classick, We Care Neighborhood Association
This session emphasized the importance of connecting with local businesses to build stronger communities. Participants learned how engaging with business owners and encouraging neighborhood support can foster community pride and growth.