Utilizing art as a means to start conversations about community health issues became a reality when a collaboration formed between the Community Economic Development Initiative of Kentucky (CEDIK), the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky (FHKY), the Partnership for a Fit Kentucky (PFKY), and the Kentucky Cancer Consortium (KCC) resulting in two interactive workshops held in Clark and Muhlenberg counties. Extension Specialists with CEDIK led participants in arts, leadership and engagement techniques to assist in new health coalition formation and in the revitalization of existing coalitions equipping participants to improve healthy eating and physical activity in their communities in a creative way.

Through hands on exercises using watercolors, creative writing, personality assessment, and collaboration strategies, over 52 participants representing 29 agencies and/or coalitions from across the state learned how to engage their local audience, focusing on individuals that have not traditionally attended activities in their communities. Participants learned to identify coalition building and strengthening strategies, to describe techniques for planning and facilitating effective meetings, and to recognize the value of working with different personalities based on their strengths, allowing them to work effectively with all community members. 

Seven coalitions received a Community Conversation Stipend provided by the PFKY for $250 to implement these strategies in their own communities.  With the success of this training, CEDIK specialists are now using these techniques in a variety of workshop settings, including with national associations, extension agents and youth.