Cultivating Strategic Clarity

Community Heart & Soul is a resident­ driven process that engages the entire population of a town in identifying what they love most about their community, what future they want for it, and how to achieve it.

How Community Heart & Soul Works

Community Heart & Soul begins with a four-phase, step-by-step process that brings residents together to identify and honor the unique character of their town and the emotional connection of the people who live there.

Phase 1: Imagine

Heart & Soul teams are formed to build awareness, interest, and commitment in all segments of the community.

Phase 2: Connect

Stories are gathered from residents, leading to the development of Heart & Soul Statements that identify what matters most and reflect what they love about their towns.

Phase 3: Plan

Residents develop action plans to guide future town planning based on their Heart & Soul Statements.

Phase 4: Act

Heart & Soul Statements are officially adopted by town and city councils, incorporated into comprehensive and other plans, and are used to guide future policies and decisions.

Diagram showing relationship between the core team and community leaders, members, coaches, volunteers and partners
An illustration of the town of Carlton's assets such as Lake Ontario, the Oak Orchard River, Boating, Sailing, the Historical Oak Orchard Lighthouse and our Agricultural community

Playing the Long Game

The real work of Community Heart & Soul begins upon completion of the four phases. Heart & Soul is an ongoing practice that provides municipal officials with a clear understanding of what matters most to residents and forges a partnership that builds on what everyone has in common: they all live, work or play here.

Carlton Community Heart & Soul Core Team

  • Peter Bartula, President

  • Jim Tabor, Vice President

  • Penny Miller, Secretary

  • Lynn Wright, Treasurer

  • Lynne Menz, Communications

  • John Fitzak

  • Chris Manaseri

  • Brian McHugh

  • Heather Tabor

Connect with a Team Member

Complete the brief form below, and a team member will connect with you.