Finding Purpose at Any Age: A Conversation with Mrs. Norma Kennedy on Community and Service

Growing Together: North River highlights the people, partnerships, and possibilities shaping the future of North River Manatee County. Each episode shares real stories and local insights that reveal what matters most to residents and how communities grow stronger by listening and working together.

In this episode of Growing Together: North River, host Alicia Chalmers talks with Norma Kennedy, a lifelong resident and community leader, and octogenarian who rediscovered her purpose after a season of deep personal grief.  Norma shares her dedication and servant leadership to North River Manatee County, and how it is fueled by her desire to preserve what makes the community special while helping it evolve to meet the needs of future generations. She sees her service as a way to honor her roots, support her neighbors, and contribute to a shared vision for a stronger, more connected North River.

Whether you live, work, or play in North River, this podcast invites you into meaningful conversations about where we are and how we can grow together.

Timestamps

• 0:00 – Introduction
• 1:17 – What Is North River Manatee County?
• 3:45 – What Inspired Norma to Join a New Civic Path Book Circle?
• 4:32 – Finding Purpose Through Community Action
• 8:30 – How the Harwood Institute Helps Communities Create Change
• 9:14 – Listening to the Community: Growing Together in North River Manatee County
• 10:10 – Harwood Labs: Learning to Lead Community Change
• 11:40 – Shifting Your Mindset to Put People First
• 12:43 – Turning Outward: Putting People and Communities First
• 14:36 – Honoring Norma's Leadership and Community Impact

Links to Learn More

• Aspirations to Actions: North River Manatee County Initiative
• North River Manatee County Initiative Description
• North River Manatee County Harwood Report
• Blog: Finding Purpose at Any Age: A Conversation with Mrs. Norma Kennedy

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