Richmond won the “All-American City” Award back in 1987. The award is a designation of the National Civic League. Now, the city is trying again, according to an article by Rachel Sheeley in the Richmond Palladium-Item. Richmond was named one of the finalists for this year. Other Indiana cities in the running this year are Fort Wayne and South Bend.
The honor is given to ten winners each year for outstanding civic accomplishments. This year’s finalists have created jobs, revitalized their downtowns, and reduced crime, among other accomplishments.
“The All-America City Award (AAC) is like a civic ‘Oscar’ for communities of all sizes,†said National Civic League President Gloria Rubio-Cortés. “It’s unique because it recognizes the efforts of entire communities. AACs demonstrate inclusiveness, collaboration, civic engagement, and innovation.â€
An All-America City has a proven capacity for community-based problem solving, grassroots civic engagement and cooperation between sectors (public, private and nonprofit). To become a finalist, each participant completed an application documenting three community projects that address local challenges such as job creation/economic development, environmental sustainability, neighborhood revitalization and disaster recovery.
The Richmond application has a unique wrinkle in that it was prepared primarily by area kids, with a group of area eighth graders forming the core.
A core group of Logos eighth-graders, including Alaina Keene, Elaine Brady, Matt Sheridan, Haley Owens, Andrew Stevens and Shauna Flanagan, did much of the research and compiled the written application. They had assistance from [Mary Jo] Clark, Pat Heiny, Fonda Wilds, Valerie Westbrook, Kathy Lucid, Judy Studebaker and Francie Klinge.
That’s pretty cool to see kids digging down and trying to help out their city like that. In particular, I was happy to see that Francie Klinge was part of the effort. She is a teacher and the mother of one of my long-time friends, and has always been a favorite among the area kids. In my experience, she has always been very kind and approachable without being patronizing to children — a tough and oddly rare blend. (The others listed may well share the same qualities, but I just happen to know Francie.)
So, good luck Richmond!
It was 1986 that Richmond became an All-america City. I remember well all that went on to receive that award. Good luck, Richmond!