📰 MHIA: June 2025 Meeting Highlights

Morris Heights Improvement Association – Digital Newsletter

Dear Morris Heights Community,

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our June 11 Community Session! We had a good turnout and thoughtful individuals who shared their vision for the community. Here’s a quick recap of what we covered:

🧭 Mission, Culture, and Purpose

We began and closed the meeting with draft mission and closing statements. This is a new practice to reflect on our shared values and sense of belonging.

Mission Statement:

We are neighbors working to be better neighbors.

We grow by working alongside each other to build a shared sense of purpose and belonging.

Our goal is to shape the future of our neighborhood and empower each other to make a difference.

We are guided by our shared values: collaboration, sustainability, respect, belonging, and wisdom.

We honor all who have shaped this land—past and present—and carry their legacy forward through our work today.

Closing Statement:
We are neighbors working to be better neighbors; today and every day.

We discussed the importance of setting clear boundaries and cultivating a neighborhood culture rooted in:

Respect
Person-first language
Timeliness
Sustainability
Avoiding burnout
Meaningful participation and retention

We also clarified the purpose of our gathering: this was a Community Session, not a listening session. We had a set agenda, with time for individual questions after the end of the meeting.

💼 Officer Updates

Jamie – Budget & Finances

Shared that our 501(c)(3) application has been submitted
Reviewed current dues levels: $20, $40, or $100
Reported approximately $5,000 in current funds from recent grant approval

Anthony – Grants & Strategy

Working on the next grant, due in November
Will host working sessions for collaboration on community projects

McKenna – Administration

Explained the sign-in process and why it matters: we track attendance to report engagement to the City of Aurora and future funders

Sean – Safety & Community Updates

Discussed recent city council meetings, ward election updates, and ongoing safety concerns, including recent local incidents

Luna – Creative Engagement & Outreach

Lead a poster activity for idea collection at future events
Shared updates on t-shirts, the upcoming newsletter, and incentives for dues-paying members

🧩 Community Projects & Events

We’re exploring several exciting initiatives, including:

Sand Creek Regional Greenway Clean-Up (volunteer opportunity – more details soon)
Neighborhood Puzzle Project
Community Walk/Run
Yard Sale & Creative Builds (birdhouses, little libraries, etc.)
Summer Celebration: picnic and movie night

Workshop groups will be forming to move these ideas forward, with officers serving as floaters and facilitators. Interested in helping? Let us know!

🛠️ Partnerships & Participation

We discussed ideas for:

Tool Library & Skill Share
Partnering with local businesses for discounts and support
Attending city council meetings together (carpooling encouraged!)
Forming a Creative Team for communications, design, and outreach

📅 Upcoming MHIA Meetings

We meet every month, alternating between Workshop Sessions and Community Sessions. All meetings begin at 7:00 p.m. at Aurora First United Methodist (3240 Tucson St, Aurora, CO):

Workshop Session – Wednesday, July 9
Community Session – Wednesday, August 13
Workshop Session – Wednesday, September 10
Community Meeting – Wednesday, October 8
Workshop Session – Wednesday, November 12

📌 Register for any of these meetings here: https://morrisheightsaurora.com/mhia-2025-events/

📬 Stay Connected

Email: contact@morrisheightsaurora.com

Have an idea? Email us!

The next opportunity to participate will be at the Workshop Session on July 9, 2025, at 7:00 p.m.

The MHIA Leadership Team

Morris Heights Improvement Association