Public Innovators Share How They Are Turning Outward

The room was abuzz with public innovators at last week’s Aspirations to Actions (A2A) Innovation Session. About 80 individuals, many representatives of area libraries, were learning and sharing about their journey to practice and embed time-tested and proven techniques of the Harwood Public Institute. It was a rich opportunity of connecting, learning, and sharing how participants are evolving as public innovators. We were inspired by the presentations of Manatee and Sarasota Counties, group activities, and discussions. The morning session demonstrated that together we are advancing positive community action by turning outward to realize shared aspirations.

Representatives from Sarasota County Libraries, Manatee County Public Library System, Library Foundation, Inc./Manatee County Public Library System, area public libraries, Sarasota County Government, Manatee County Government, Tampa Bay Library Consortium, United Way of Manatee County, Library Historical Resources, Neighborhood Services (SRQ), Neighborhood Services (Manatee), SCOPE, Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading, Age-Friendly Sarasota, Historic Spanish Point, MagnifyGood, and more are part of A2A, an initiative of The Patterson Foundation.

The morning was an opportunity for group learning about how these public innovators are developing a deeper sense of how this practice is and can be applied to strengthen individuals, organizations, and communities. The presentations shared ways libraries are turning outward, engaging the community as a reference point for change and innovation. Presenters shared about the many community conversations that have occurred and what is being learned, as well as what is changing with the information from conversations.

We look forward to our work together as we continue to become turned outward and evolve community dialogues into positive actions and outcomes that will achieve aspirations in our region.

The morning also marked the departure of Beth Doyle, The Patterson Foundation’s lead consultant to A2A. We wish Beth all of the best and deeply thank her for her joy filled leadership. Deborah Gauvreau will be stepping into Beth’s role and will be supporting A2A along with Guides, Bill Little and Alicia Chalmers.