“People are starting to talk”: Upper Chichester feeling empowered by Heart & Soul

In May 2019, Upper Chichester residents began actively engaging with the Heart & Soul initiative, a grassroots, humanities-based civic engagement process supported by PA Humanities and the Orton Family Foundation that focuses on listening to residents to identify community needs and values. Through public gatherings like the event titled “A Real Conversation About the Future of Upper Chichester,” participants were encouraged to discuss open-ended questions about what they love about their township and what they hope to see in its future, fostering dialogue among neighbors who might not typically interact. Residents described how the process helped them recognize they belong to a shared community and sparked wider interest and involvement across different neighborhoods of the township.

Volunteers and community organizers noted that the Heart & Soul approach was beginning to unlock momentum, with more people talking with one another about the township’s possibilities and spreading excitement about their community’s future. Individuals such as Reverend William M. Irons Jr. and local library assistant Hannah Hinkle expressed optimism, seeing the initiative as a revitalizing force that could bring new energy and collaboration to Upper Chichester. This early phase of outreach and storytelling laid the groundwork for deeper involvement as trained volunteers prepared to collect residents’ stories and insights to guide future planning.

The article highlights how Heart & Soul’s emphasis on inclusivity and conversation is helping residents from diverse backgrounds feel heard and empowered. Long-time volunteers like Agnes Tillery and Diane Henson shared that their love for Upper Chichester motivated their involvement, and leaders like Heart & Soul chairman Judy Stang recognized that the process was redefining how neighbors interact in a world often dominated by digital isolation. By encouraging people to connect personally and share their visions, the initiative was building relationships and inspiring community members to take an active role in shaping the township’s direction.