Forward Texarkana

Spheres of Interest
Listed below are the recurring areas of interest/concern or advocacy that consistently emerged in our study of community documents developed over the last fifty years or so. This page offers a definition of each sphere followed by a few questions to start the conversational ball rolling. If you have further interest and want an in depth state of the regional analysis of a particular sphere just click on MORE .

We do not begin to claim that this advocacy list is all inclusive and we invite you to introduce the community to what matters to YOU. Chances are, you are not alone. We will set up dedicated pages to subjects that develop community interest and momentum.

We invite you to participate in our forums!

answer the questions that are of interest to you
add to the knowledge or analysis of any sphere,
disagree
begin new advocacy interests
propose solutions to the challenges of our unique community, Texarkana, USA.

Out of your feedback and active participation the community will be able to develop a strategic plan and the power to implement that plan.

Infrastructure
A city's infrastructure involves the systems necessary for maintaining a healthy community and region. These services are primarily overseen by city government and include public safety, individual and public transportation, city design, environment and ecology, future land use and planned housing and city design. MORE. Questions found there also.

Education
Formal education includes

preschool through University level instruction
public and private institutions
vocational and technical training necessary for a skilled workforce
less formal instruction for life-long learning

Life long learning is geared toward individual growth, an essential part of personal, community, and civic engagement.

1. Are we, as citizens, as responsible for the success of students as the writer suggests?
2. How can we promote better access and equity for ALL students in Texarkana schools?
3. Especially those disadvantaged economically? MORE

Community
A community is a social construction of people within a region that have shared interests. A united community works to define and share a logistical, philosophical and governmental identity in order to promote the healthy development of a community. Stakeholders in community unity include all individuals involved at a personal level and groups or organizations such as a school or religious affiliation.

1. How can we build bridges between Arkansas and Texas (individuals and organizations)?
2. Why are the cities continuing to grow apart when we have leaders capable of bringing us together?
3. What can be done to help Texarkana, Arkansas to grow and create a strong retail corridor along I-30?
4. Is the community interested in finding these common solutions?
5. Is it important to you the citizens of both cities, to walk together?
6. How can we as community seek to find more synergy and unique solutions to our unique challenges? MORE

Economic development

It is usually measured in terms of job and income growth. However, by advancing all other areas such as the ones on this page, essential and value-added components for developing human and cultural capital creates economic stability and the growth of jobs and income in the region. MORE

Questions for the community:

What entity do you think should primarily be responsible for economic development in our region?
How do we get both sides of our city to actively collaborate on economic development and set common, mutually supportive policies, procedures, and goals?
What would you like to see incorporated in a long range (3 to 10 years), community wide strategic plan?
Who should be responsible for developing this strategic plan?

Arts and Culture

Issues related to arts and cultural development ensure that everyone within the region has access to a wide range of recreational and cultural activities and facilities, including fine, performing, and creative arts experiences. Arts and culture is available to all community members and allows Texarkana to take pride in and be influenced by the cultural contributions of others.

What opportunities exist for building a more robust arts scene in our region?
How can we attract artists of all kinds to our community? Should we?
What are some practical ways we can integrate art into Texarkana's culture? MORE

Health and Social Services
Health and social services includes the development of private and public programs as well as institutions that provide mental and physical health services. It also includes the training of people who provide these services.

What are the implications of having more than 60% of the cities' doctors in one clinic?
Does our citizenry have a responsibility to care for the indigent?
How can the community assist in recruiting doctors to our area? MORE

Leadership Development
It is essential that community members from all walks of life develop themselves as leaders, ensuring all community members representation in developing the vision and goals in the best interest of TXK,USA.
Leadership development refers to the activities involved in enhancing one's ability to serve others.

Are your perceptions on community leadership issues different from those above? If so please tell us how?
Where in our community do you see an opportunity to provide or improve leadership and how could that specifically be facilitated?
What kind of leadership development would best serve you or your company?
What has been the greatest resource for your own personal leadership development? How was it an asset to you? MORE