Wichita Independent Neighborhoods dedicated to solving problems, improving quality of life

Wichita Independent Neighborhoods came together as a vision to organize neighborhoods to speak as one voice to solve neighborhood problems in Wichita.

Twelve neighborhoods became incorporated as Wichita Independent Neighborhoods, or WIN, in 1993. Participation grew to 82 neighborhoods by 2008. The momentum of the neighborhood initiative offered a concrete example of how neighborhood residents can dramatically improve their quality of life.

WIN’s vision and mission statements sum up what the organization is about:

▪ Mission statement: To provide education, resources, and an effective voice to and for current and potential members of WIN on quality of life issues in Sedgwick County.

▪ Vision statement: Wichita Independent Neighborhoods envisions citizens, families and neighborhoods in Wichita and Sedgwick County that participate fully in their governance to attain a safe, healthy and vibrant community.

WIN neighborhood members have joined to influence major city projects. Recent changes for the 13th Street improvements, establishing an overpass to reduce traffic in west Wichita, and efforts to save the character and safety of several neighborhoods are a direct result of WIN joining neighborhoods on common issues.

WIN Neighborhood University has trained hundreds from across Kansas and surrounding states on how to establish bylaws, use resources in the community and lead on community issues.

In the future, WIN will work to improve existing programs with emphasis on neighborhoods. WIN is actively involved with youth in the community, on education and jobs training programs.

WIN is highly recognized in Neighborhoods USA as a leader in neighborhood support and has a member serving on the national board.

WIN is a 501(c)3 organization that enables anyone to provide financial support to improve the physical appearance, safety and design of residential areas. Help WIN bring the NUSA Conference to Wichita in 2019 or 2020.

Whether your neighborhood is historic or just being built, there are issues that will affect your quality of life and enjoyment of your home. Many neighborhoods will come together over a perceived crisis, crime, business exodus, zoning changes, non-compatible land uses. A neighborhood association can be a long-term representation for you in the larger community.

A composition of people living in the neighborhoods has a better understanding of common problems, keeping abreast of developments that can affect neighborhoods and be available to voice neighborhood concerns when issues arise.

WIN has a great collaboration with the city of Wichita and department heads to solve city and neighborhood issues and to improve the quality of life in our community.

This story was originally published February 9, 2016 at 4:38 PM with the headline "Wichita Independent Neighborhoods dedicated to solving problems, improving quality of life."