The future of Bulloch County depends on its people, and their voices are more important than ever. To foster that dialogue, Georgia Southern University’s Institute for Vibrant and Engaged Communities (IVEC) recently kicked off its series of Community Conversations, titled "Building a Vibrant Bulloch: Uniting for Our Community's Future."
The first event in Brooklet was a huge success, bringing together residents to share their thoughts and ideas for the future of Bulloch County.
IVEC’s mission is clear—strengthening community resilience by fostering collaboration between local governments, nonprofit organizations, and community members. Their work is focused on tackling issues such as affordable housing, childcare, and innovative responses to economic development, particularly in rural areas. Their goal is to build vibrant, sustainable communities where residents can live, work, and thrive.
Dr. Candice Bodkin, Co-Director of IVEC, shared her excitement, saying, “The Institute for Vibrant and Engaged Communities is thrilled to provide a space where community members can discuss and shape the future of our area. We are glad to offer this platform for meaningful dialogue and collaboration, and we look forward to seeing the valuable insights and ideas that will emerge.”
Community conversations spark dialogue and action
The first event, held in Brooklet, was full of dynamic conversations and productive feedback. Local residents came together to discuss what matters most to them, highlighting both the challenges and opportunities within the county.
Michelle Wilson, one of the participants, said, “I think it’s a great way for the community to come together and have conversations with their neighbors. Hopefully, we can bring in community members to hear the needs of others. There was great conversation tonight, and you had everyone having logical, thoughtful discussions."
JoAnn Hickman also expressed the importance of such events, saying, "This event brought the community together, and it's important to hear what people need. We have to make use of the growth in the community, but we also need to maintain that small-town environment. I came here for college and never left, and I love that the town is growing because my husband and I always wanted more opportunities for our children to come back to."
Even local leadership recognized the importance of these conversations. Leonard Fatica, a candidate for the Bulloch County Commission, noted, "It was a good event, and I came to hear the concerns of the people. No matter what I hear, unfortunately, the issues we face will continue until the community, county, and city all work together for the people."
A space for open dialogue
A significant portion of the evening was dedicated to addressing community concerns. The event provided a platform for every voice to be heard, ensuring that issues such as economic growth, maintaining a small-town feel, and enhancing community collaboration were discussed openly.
Local city and county leaders were present, and they emphasized the importance of using this feedback to guide future decisions that will benefit Bulloch County.
The success of the first event in Brooklet highlights the importance of continued engagement. There are two more events planned for this series, with each one covering the same topics to ensure that residents across the county have the chance to participate:
- Statesboro – Saturday, September 28, 1:00-2:30pm, at the Russell Union Ballroom, Georgia Southern University Campus
- Portal – Thursday, October 3, 6:00-7:30pm, at Portal Middle High School Cafeteria
Residents are encouraged to attend one of these upcoming events to ensure their voices are part of the larger conversation shaping Bulloch County’s future.
Building a better future for Bulloch County
Community participation is vital to making Bulloch County a place where all can thrive. These Community Conversations serve as a stepping stone toward actionable strategies for the county's future.
By working together, the community has the opportunity to foster sustainable growth while preserving the unique character that makes Bulloch special.
Light refreshments will be provided at the remaining events, and participants are asked to RSVP by filling out a short form here. Now is the time to unite for our community’s future—come and help build a vibrant, resilient Bulloch County.