Conversations on NH Outdoor Recreation

In 2011,  NH Listens worked with the NH Office of Energy and Planning (OEP) and the NH Department of Resources and Economic Development (DRED) to learn more about citizens’ views on opportunities for outdoor recreation at the local and state level. The citizen input from our sessions will be used by OEP and DRED to develop priorities for the NH Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) currently under revision. In October, over 170 residents met in small group conversations that were held in seven different locations across the state. The final report has been submitted to NH OEP and the NH DRED and will be posted here shortly.

Pittsfield Listens: Strong Schools,
Strong Community

In 2011, NH Listens was asked to provide technical assistance to the Pittsfield Youth Workshop (PYW), a community partner to the Pittsfield School District seeking to engage Pittsfield residents about a District Level Systems Change proposal to the Nellie Mae Education Foundation. The PYW has been working to involve all community members, especially youth, in the betterment of the community as a whole and has been leading a process where everyone is invited to share their experiences, challenge what isn’t working, and offer support.

PYW is building a foundation of community engagement and input for future planning (Pittsfield Listens) and convening community conversations to inform big changes, create action steps, and provide recommendations for long-term change. Reports on this project are forthcoming. 

WHAT’S AT STAKE: Community Conversations on the Benefits and Risks of Expanded Gambling in NH

In 2010,  NH Listens worked with the New Hampshire Gaming Study Commission to gather board citizen input to inform the policy question of whether or not to expand legalized gambling in NH. In February, eighteen small group conversations were held in ten different locations across the state. There was a relatively wide range of views held by those who participated.

Final Report to the Governor’s Study Commission on Expanded Gaming