COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT builds pride in Mesa, encourages and
develops a wide range of civic and neighborhood leadership,
involves non-profits, faith-based organizations, community youth
and volunteers, and maximizes direct communications with
residents using a variety of tools and technology.
Mayor and Council’s Community Engagement vision statements:
- Volunteerism
at an All-Time High in Mesa: More residents have taken
ownership of their community and have invested their time,
talents and treasure to support community priorities.
- Council
Ownership and Teamwork Has Created iMesa Successes: Having
the Mayor and Council fully engaged and working together on
iMesa has helped ensure the program’s success in "Building a
Better Mesa." Also, Mayor and Council have more support for
getting connected with the community and have via fully utilized
the potential of social media, traditional media like Channel 11
and other outreach tools.
- Community
Trust (and investment) Built Through Open Communications:
Mesa has an engaged, thoughtful electorate who are willing to
invest in our community because they know that processes are
transparent, sustainable, and innovative. All points of view are
considered and communication is clear on why a certain direction
is chosen and why another direction was not chosen. Citizens,
staff and elected officials feel safe and valued about their
opinions and know that all ideas are welcome in Mesa.
- iMesa Widely
Recognized as a Trusted Tool to Set Mesa’s Future Course:
iMesa has become the widely recognized symbol of a community
coming together in various forums to determine Mesa's future and
implement action plans. All segments of the community
believe they have a voice, whether through volunteering, serving
on boards, communicating through social media, etc.
- Youth
Volunteerism, Involvement Result in an Intent to Stay in Mesa:
Mesa high school residents (this would include the Gilbert HS,
charter and private school attendees) are required to engage in
community service hours within Mesa. This has offered
students an opportunity to give back to their community and has
allowed them to be involved in new ideas and areas. As a
result, Mesa’s youth now have a greater sense of community and
want to continue to live in Mesa as adults.
- Mesa’s Youth –
Critical Part of Building a Better Mesa: Participating in
community events and the iMesa program has helped Mesa’s youth
be actively involved in “Building a Better Mesa” and lowering
community crime. Mesa’s youth feel connected and a part of
the community because their specific needs, wants, or concerns
are being addressed.
- Youth Return
to Mesa to Make it Their Home: With every interaction we
have with our youth in this community, we have made strives to
invite the youth to come back to Mesa to live, work and raise
their families and strengthen this community. As a result, youth
who have on school, military service and educational
opportunities are moving back to Mesa and are working to make
Mesa an even better place in the future.
More detail