Community Conversations
Human Trafficking Panel
Mon • Sep 15 • 6-7:30 p.m.
Clark Pleasant Branch
Join us for a panel discussion on human trafficking in Johnson County.
Media Literacy Panel
Wed • Oct 15 • 6-7:30 p.m.
Clark Pleasant Branch
Hear from local journalists in print and digital media about how media has changed, freedom of the press, and why local news matters at this panel discussion.
Why You Should Join CommUnity Matters
Meet Kim Daniel
CommUnity Matters Volunteer
For me, it is about sharing my love of Johnson County with others in the community that may not know all the hidden gems and facts. By doing so I have grown to appreciate our history and how the county has evolved over the years. In addition, I have a greater understanding of my neighbors. Not just those down the street but all over the county.
Meet Kevin Leonard
Superintendent, Johnson County Parks and Recreation
I love being a part of the group because I love helping plan events/activities for the public. The group has given Johnson County residents activities to give them a sense of community and belonging. People should join CommUnity Matters to continue to make Johnson County a great place to live.
Meet Lisa Lintner
Library Director, Johnson County Public Library
When I was considering accepting the position at JCPL in 2015, I researched a lot about Johnson County. Two programs in the county I was impressed with were the volunteer-led work of the then-Aspire Johnson County (now CommUnity Matters) and Leadership Johnson County. These programs played a major role in my decision to work and live in Johnson County. I continue to be a part of CommUnity Matters because I believe that leadership from our residents, businesses and organizations can make a huge difference in making Johnson County a wonderful place to live, work, learn and play. If you'd like to be a part of positive activities and conversations that strengthen Johnson County, I hope you'll consider joining CommUnity Matters!
Meet Jennifer Hollingshead
School To Work Specialist, Aspire Economic Development + Chamber Alliance
I like helping create new educational programs both as a Johnson County resident as well as a representative of Aspire. It’s fun to look at options and do some research and then make a decision and make it come to life with a group of volunteers. It’s a great way to connect with other individuals and other organizations in the community. You get to help create something new that benefits people in Johnson County. I have really loved the scavenger hunts that we have done to help more people become familiar with local parks, public art, and our haunted history tour of local cemeteries and ghost stories for October. I’m also excited for the ideas that we have for the future.
Meet David Pfeiffer
Director, Johnson County Museum of History
Personally, I love working with such a great group of people on our committee and how we find fun ways for people to experience their community. The last few years the committee has worked on “quests” to help spread the word about history, parks, arts, and some spooky stories. This has been a fun way to share some of the many benefits of our county. The CommUnity Matters is the perfect group for anyone wanting to learn more about where they live.
Meet Stephanie Marten
VP of Development, Johnson County Community Foundation
The CommUnity Matters group provides an opportunity to meet new people while also creating engaging activities for Johnson County residents to feel valued and involved. More than likely, I would not have had the opportunity to meet and engage with my fellow CommUnity Matters team members. It has been an absolute pleasure learning about and working with the individuals in the group. We have created opportunities for all Johnson County residents to participate with and learn more about the community they live in.
CommUnity Matters is a volunteer team that uplifts our county’s attributes, takes on challenges in our community and collaborates with stakeholders to find opportunities to improve the way we work, live, learn and play. It is the leading community education and engagement forum in Johnson County.
Since its start in 2013, the team has been involved in topics including early childhood education, housing, community engagement, community planning, internet connectivity, public transportation, trails, homelessness, workforce development, promoting career options and communication between residents and government among other topics.
Dedicated volunteers are central to our community development and success. CommUnity Matters welcomes individual volunteers from the community, non-profit organizations and private business sectors. Together, they work to improve our quality of life, better educate our residents and position Johnson County more competitively in the marketplace.
We welcome new volunteers who want to join us for a better Johnson County. If you would like to join the CommUnity Matters team, fill out this form to be invited to our next meeting.
About CommUnity Matters
Mission: Creates community engagement opportunities for Johnson County Residents.
Vision: Every Johnson County resident feels seen, heard, valued, and involved.
Launched in 2013 by Aspire Johnson County, this volunteer team is lauded as one of Indiana's most unique community initiatives and has been recognized by state and national leaders as a model for community betterment. In May 2023, the program leadership was transitioned from Aspire Johnson County to the Johnson County Public Library. The Library’s mission of strengthening the community by connecting people, resources and experiences strategically aligns with the program’s work. JCPL staff have served on the teams volunteering and leading initiatives since the program began.
This program has helped to reach countywide strategic goals in the areas of talent, community engagement and infrastructure. It has made a positive impact on our county and its residents.
