What does it take to create a community of belonging? In late 2021, Carver County launched the Communities of Belonging initiative to explore and answer this question. Today, active Communities of Belonging groups are located in Chanhassen and Cologne. 

If you are interested in learning more about Communities of Belonging or would like help starting a group in your community, please contact us by email or call (952) 361-1329.

Chanhassen

The Chanhassen Communities of Belonging group hosts weekly CHANchats on Saturday mornings for informal conversations, monthly CHANforums featuring speakers and special topics, and CHANcrafts events where people create art and build awareness together. The group strives to foster a sense of belonging that supports the City's vision of "a Community for Life."

You can find more information on the Communities of Belonging Chanhassen website or on their Facebook page. 

Cologne

The Cologne Communities of Belonging group includes a leadership team, a small group of residents, and a representative from Carver County Public Health. The leadership team guides and supports the activities of the larger group. Since the initiative began, more than 80 community members have joined.

In 2021, the Cologne Communities of Belonging group conducted a survey to identify conditions that support or create barriers to experiencing a sense of belonging in the community. Based on survey results, the group has focused on four areas:

• Public Relations and Communications
• Community Conversations
• Creative Expression
• Green Spaces

These efforts aim to help create a welcoming community for all current and future residents. Some completed projects include:

• Creating a Communities of Belonging logo
• Adding welcome signs throughout the town
• Creating a public mural
• Sending a quarterly newsletter to residents in the city and nearby areas
• Working with Welcome Neighbor to add Cologne-specific information to welcome packets for new residents and businesses
• Creating a community garden with plots designated for the Bountiful Basket Food Shelf in Cologne
• Hosting public workshops in partnership with Living Room Conversations, YMCA of the North, Ellie Krug – Gray Area Thinking, and Braver Angels

Cologne Communities of Belonging continues to build community connections and partnerships to strengthen relationships and support a sense of belonging. View their Facebook page for more information or send an email with your questions.