Erie County Historical Commission's Community Builder Committee Chair:
Preethi Govindaraj 

​​As Erie County celebrates this 250-year milestone, the theme of "Community Builders" emerges as a vital element in fostering a sense of shared identity, empowerment, and collective progress. These individuals and groups play an essential role in strengthening the social fabric of the community, making their contributions pivotal for this commemoration.

Community builders include a diverse range of individuals-from local leaders, activists, and educators to volunteers who dedicate their time and energy to enhancing the welfare of their communities. By showcasing prominent figures in Erie County who have dedicated themselves to community improvement, the celebration can illustrate the power of grassroots efforts in creating lasting change and the ability of individuals to change the course of history.

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The Goal:

To honor those whose leadership, service, contributions, and grassroots efforts have strengthened Erie County's social fabric and advanced collective progress.

Organizations

Individuals

• ​Community Builders: Establish a diverse group of 250 individuals who contributed to the development of Erie County and beyond.
• Develop an interactive digital or physical Local Heroes Story Map that marks locations connected to community builders-schools, churches, nonprofits, parks, or neighborhood centers
• Wall of Builders- temporary or permanent public display
  (physical or digital) honoring those nominated as
  community builders.
• Collaboration with local faith-based institutions to host a
  Faith & Service Week to highlight their role as community
  builders through service projects and storytelling.
• Partner with local historians and community members to
  offer guided tours or a doors open event that highlights
  grassroots change-makers and the spaces important t o
  their work.
• Establish a Community Builders Trail of permanent
  interpretive signage across neighborhoods, marking sites
  of civic importance and grassroots leadership.

• Nominate a Community Builder by submitting the
  names and stories of local individuals who deserve
  recognition for their work strengthening Erie County.
• Take small steps like checking in on a neighbor,
  supporting local businesses, or welcoming new
  residents, that strengthen bonds in your community.
• Post a short essay, poem, or social media tribute
  honoring a neighbor, teacher, or volunteer who made
  a difference in your life.