i2i Symposium - ReWeaving the Social Fabric of Our Communities

ReWeaving the Social Fabric of Our Communities

CDFA i2i (Ideas to Innovation) Symposium

Join leaders, innovators, and community builders from across New Hampshire for a dynamic, interactive morning exploring how public spaces and community engagement shape the future of our towns and cities.

Building on CDFA’s investment in community centers statewide, this half-day event expands the conversation to include all forms of inclusive and accessible public spaces — from youth and senior centers to small businesses, arts initiatives, and BIPOC-led community efforts. Together, we’ll explore how social infrastructure strengthens connection, belonging, and civic life.

What You’ll Experience

• Fresh statewide data from the 2024 Civic Health Report, presented by Michele Holt-Shannon and Mikayla Townsend of NH Listens at the UNH Carsey School
• Cross-sector panel conversations featuring leaders from AARP, Stay Work Play NH, Barrington Community Center, Arlington Street Community Center (Nashua), BAPOC, and The Grapevine Family & Community Resource Center
• Moderation by storyteller Andy DeMeo of Granite Goodness
• Creative engagement activities led by artists Benjamin Archibald and Marek Bennett

Join a collaborative space where participants engage directly with one another, sharing ideas, exploring challenges, and identifying practical ways to activate and sustain community spaces that reflect local identity and needs.

Whether you are a municipal leader, nonprofit professional, community center director, grassroots organizer, young professional, or senior advocate, you’ll leave with new connections, fresh insights, and inspiration for strengthening civic life in your community.

Doors open at 8:45 am. The program begins at 9:15 am.

Register today and be part of the conversation shaping the future of New Hampshire’s community spaces.

Accessibility

The event will be held on the first floor of the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Manchester, and accessible parking is available at the main entrance. No stairs are required to access the event space.

If you require language interpretation, translation services, hearing assistance, or other accommodations, please indicate your needs during registration or contact us in advance so we can make appropriate arrangements.

Parking Information

Other than one ADA parking spot, there will be no parking available at the Boys & Girls Club.

Paid parking is available at The Hartnett Lot and the Victory Parking garage, which are a 5-minute walk from the Boys & Girls Club.

Off-street parking is available along the purple lines (10-hour parking limit) and the yellow lines (2-hour parking limit).