Webinar: Building Strong Community Relationships
Slide 1: About Webinar
Hosted by: Wisconsin ADA Coordinators Association. 
Date: October 17, 2025. 
Presenters
•	Dawn Koceja (she/her) 
Community Engagement and Advocacy Officer 
Milwaukee Public Museum 
Email: Koceja@mpm.edu
•	Cheryl Orgas (she/her) 
Executive Director 
Audio and Braille Literacy Enhancement, Inc. (ABLE) 
Email: Corgas@ablenow.org
Slide 2: Disclaimer
Webinar Series: Wisconsin ADA Coordinators Association
Disclaimer
This webinar hosted by the Wisconsin ADA Coordinators Association is not meant to be legal advice. Although we may refer to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or similar state and local laws, this presentation is provided as an educational resource. 
Our goal is to give public entities a framework for access and providing accommodations or modifications. We encourage attendees to seek guidance about their obligations from their own legal counsel.

Slide 3: Milwaukee Public Museum (MPM)
We are dedicated to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment where every individual feels seen, heard, and valued. 
Our commitment is to ensure that accessibility is at the heart of everything we do — from our exhibits and programs to our physical and digital spaces. 
Through ongoing collaboration, education, and innovation, we strive to make the museum a place where everyone belongs
Side 4: ABLE
Audio and Braille Literacy Enhancement (ABLE): Our vision is that everyone has access to the printed word because reading—in whatever form it takes—is the key to learning, growth, productivity, self-sufficiency, and full participation in one’s community.
To that end, our mission is to provide alternative ways for people with print disabilities to read.
Slide 5: Building Strong Community Relationships
1.	Engagement
2.	Inclusivity
3.	Reciprocity
4.	Understanding
5.	Benefit

Slide 6: Engagement 
A collaborative process of working with groups of people—based on location or shared interests—to address issues that affect their well-being. It involves building relationships, fostering participation, and working together to create positive outcomes and improve the quality of life within a community.
Collaboration
Working together on a shared goal, fostering a sense of ownership and commitment.  
Participation
Including stakeholders in decision-making processes, such as public meetings, consultations, and online forums.  
Relationship-building 
Creating stronger bonds between community members through shared activities and projects.  
Empowerment
Providing community members with the tools, knowledge, and resources needed to participate meaningfully. 
Slide 7: Inclusivity 
Ensuring that all community members, including traditionally marginalized groups, have a voice and opportunity to participate.  
Better outcomes
Engaging people who are closest to an issue leads to more informed and effective solutions. 
Increased trust
It can build trust between citizens and organizations by making decision-making more transparent and legitimate. 

Sustainability 
Involving the community in decisions makes them more likely to commit to and support the outcomes. 
Community cohesion 
It can lead to stronger social bonds and a greater sense of community among residents.
Slide 8: Reciprocity 
Fosters mutual respect, trust, and shared responsibility, creating connections that are balanced and sustainable.
Trust and Respect
Reciprocity builds confidence and appreciation between individuals and groups, strengthening long-term relationships.
Collaboration
It encourages active participation and shared effort, leading to more effective and inclusive outcomes.
Equity and Balance
Giving and receiving in equal measure helps prevent one-sided relationships and ensures fairness.
Sustainability
Mutual support creates a resilient community that can grow and adapt together over time. 

Slide 9: Understanding 
Fosters empathy, trust, and respect among individuals with diverse perspectives and experiences.
When people take time to understand one another, it reduces misunderstanding and helps resolve conflicts more effectively.
Understanding builds a foundation of trust, allowing community members to feel valued and heard.
Encourages collaboration by recognizing and appreciating the strengths and contributions of others.
Through understanding, communities become more inclusive and resilient, creating stronger, lasting connections.
Slide 10: Benefit 
Fosters a sense of belonging, mutual support, and shared purpose that strengthens the well-being of everyone involved.
Strong community relationships create networks of support that help individuals and families thrive during times of need.
They encourage collaboration and resource sharing, making communities more resilient and self-sustaining.
Meaningful connections foster trust and open communication, leading to safer and more welcoming environments.
A sense of belonging enhances overall well-being, promoting pride and active participation in community life.

Slide 11: Closing remarks. 
In conclusion, building strong community relationships is vital to creating connected, supportive, and thriving communities. When individuals come together with understanding, trust, and shared purpose, they strengthen the foundation for collective well-being and resilience. 
These relationships foster a sense of belonging, encourage collaboration, and empower people to work toward common goals. Ultimately, strong community connections enrich the lives of everyone involved and help ensure a brighter, more inclusive future for all.
Slide 12: Thank You
Dawn Koceja (she/her) 
Community Engagement and Advocacy Officer 
Milwaukee Public Museum 
Email: Koceja@mpm.edu
Cheryl Orgas (she/her) 
Executive Director 
Audio and Braille Literacy Enhancement, Inc. (ABLE) 
Email: Corgas@ablenow.org
Disclaimer
This webinar hosted by the Wisconsin ADA Coordinators Association is not meant to be legal advice. Although we may refer to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or similar state and local laws, this presentation is provided as an educational resource. 
Our goal is to give public entities a framework for access and providing accommodations or modifications. We encourage attendees to seek guidance about their obligations from their own legal counsel.