Dickinson College
IN-3: Innovation 3

The Greater Carlisle Project (GCP) is a nonprofit association of people, organizations, churches, businesses, and local governments working together to improve the quality of life for all people in the communities of the Greater Carlisle Area. The GCP grew out of a series of meetings convened by Dickinson College beginning in 2012, and Dickinson College continues to play a prominent role as a member of the GCP steering committee and by providing administrative and logistical support. The approach of the GCP is to enhance long-term social, economic, and environmental sustainability of Carlisle Borough and surrounding communities by connecting and enhancing community assets, providing a forum for members of these communities to voice ideas for the future of our region, increasing the visibility of efforts and organizations that are making our communities more sustainable, collecting and sharing information, helping member organizations to locate and access resources, championing initiatives and projects, and celebrating successes.

The GCP helped Mt Holly Springs to plan and implement a successful 'Jane Jacobs' walking audit that engaged community members in assessing local assets and developing recommendations for improvements. The assessment and recommendations have resulted in a successful grant application to Cumberland County. GCP collaborated with West Side Neighbors Association to support planning and design activities to improve a local park with edible landscaping and natural features for creative play. Dickinson students were involved through a community-based research course, and GCP also assisted in recruiting volunteers for a park clean-up day and raising funds through social media. GCP, working with Dickinson College, the local United Way, the Chamber of Commerce, and other sponsors, brought together 150+ community members for a workshop at Dickinson College on ending poverty. The GCP is now working with community leaders to implement follow-up actions to help create pathways out of poverty. GCP is also working with a variety of groups on transportation, local food, urban redevelopment, and other challenges to the communities of our region.