2018-2019 Polk Vision Annual Report PV AR 2019_web | Page 2

400 stakeholders were formed to
compile the results which led to the
development of a Vision document
that ultimately was adopted by
a diverse 26-person Steering
Committee.
OUR MISSION
Polk Vision actively facilitates
a process through which Polk
County realizes its aspirations
and full potential. Polk
Vision identifies and builds
awareness of community
priorities, promotes
partnerships and encourages
accountability.
ABOUT US
In 2004, citizens from across Polk
County, led by private, public and
civic leaders, joined forces to address
critical issues facing our community
and to develop a common purpose.
Focus groups, town hall meetings
and task forces were engaged in a
nine-month process to gain insight
into the priorities that unite and
challenge our community. Together
we examined our strengths and
weaknesses, and developed a long-
term vision with strategic solutions
and countywide benchmarks. The
strategies were adopted by public
and private organizations, large and
small, with a common goal to create
our desired future.
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Over the years, Polk Vision has
remained vital and relevant through
the continued engagement of citizens
by conducting public meetings,
forums and roundtable sessions.
A formal “refresh” of the Vision
was performed in 2010 which
resulted in updated strategies and
adjusted benchmarks. In the fall of
2014, with the encouragement of
visionary supporters, we became
members of the national collective
impact organization Alignment
USA. Through this relationship, we
integrated new structure, process
and technology with the Polk Vision
founding principles and areas of
focus.
Polk Vision is the LEADing collective
impact organization serving the
entire Polk County community. We
provide central coordination to align
the work of hundreds of dedicated
volunteers through partnerships
of public, private and civic
organizations working collectively to
make the shared vision of
improved community prosperity for
Polk County a reality!
A MESSAGE
FROM THE
DIRECTOR
We are celebrating 15 Years
since a countywide, shared
Vision for our community was
adopted on August 2, 2004.
That Vision represents the collective
voices of over 700 residents from
across the county who over many
months participated in a series
of focus groups and community
meetings. These sessions were
convened to identify the strengths
and weaknesses of our county
and to learn firsthand the issues
of importance to the lives of our
citizens. Following these sessions,
Task Forces numbering nearly
Over the years, we have worked
continuously to preserve the fidelity
of that shared Vision. In keeping
with our roots, we intentionally bring
together individuals from across
the county – each bringing their
unique perspective, knowledge,
and resources – to serve on action-
focused LEAD Teams. These
Teams are powerful cross-sector
collaborations working towards
systemic solutions to Polk County’s
most pressing challenges.
Sustainable change takes time;
short-term fixes don’t address long-
term problems. The Polk County
community has proven that it’s
willing to do what it takes to change
the trajectory for today’s citizens
as well as future generations. We
are actively addressing persistent
issues like literacy, college and
career readiness, community health,
and public safety. But we are also
celebrating the dramatic rise in high
school graduation rates, the increase
in district school grade, and the
widespread adoption of a Resolution
to close sidewalk gaps so our children
can walk more safely to school.
All of this is made possible through
the support and generosity of our
funders; the dedication of our Board
of Directors; the tenacity of our
Operating Board and LEAD Teams;
the willingness of our community
partners to work together; and
the daily support and hard work
of our staff. Let us continue to do
the important work achieving a
brighter future for residents from
across the county – for generations
to come. Never has there been a
time of more hope and promise for
Polk County, as we build upon the
successes of the past 15 years to
ensure that future generations thrive
and prosper—together we are truly
striving toward excellence.
STAFF
REBA COIL
Program Manager
KIRSTEN SHEEHAN
Team Coordinator
PAULINE SIMMONDS-
BROWN
Education & Talent
Alignment Coordinator
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