Celebrating rural Clinton County’s Voices of America: Alicia Christensen
This story is part of our Voices of America initiative. Learn about this initiative and read more stories here.
The LincolnWay Community Foundation is proud to celebrate America’s 250th birthday by honoring Voices of America.
Alicia Christensen, Superintendent of Northeast Community School District, is one of eight regional voices lifted up to share the stories of people who hold our community together two and a half centuries after our nation’s founding.
“What really matters to our citizens is at the heart of the Voices of America initiative,” said Amanda Willimack, Community Foundation Executive Director. “We value every voice as we work with donors, make grants and serve as a trusted convener addressing shared community needs.”
Christiansen finds herself addressing many shared community concerns including public school funding and the impacts of school choice programs. She said, “Public schools continue to be asked to do more with less.” She added, “For us, housing development is also a challenge. We have little to no growth in our rural community as it relates to new housing developments.”
Christiansen is learning that community engagement takes intentionality. She said, “We all want what is best for our small towns, yet how do we come together to talk about how to do that? I am learning that building relationships means going out and into every corner of our community.”
Voices of America events will be hosted by the Foundation and take place this summer. They will feature a six-foot tall American eagle. Look for the table, take a family photo with the American eagle, and help write the story of our community on America’s 250th birthday. Hearing directly from individuals will help the Foundation make decisions on grants and initiatives in the coming year.