Title
SeeMyLegacy - Community Engagement + Fundraising/Sponsorship Tool
Brief Description: Discussion on SeeMyLegacy, a community engagement tool, designed to modernize banner and memorial programs, fundraising/sponsorship opportunities, and volunteer campaigns, and how it could benefit the City of Hudson.
Body
Legislative History
None
Purpose & Explanation
SeeMyLegacy was developed as a community engagement tool for municipalities, non-profits, schools, and community organizations to modernize banner and memorial programs, fundraising/sponsorship opportunities, and volunteer campaigns. Three primary ways the City of Hudson could immediately benefit from the cloud-based platform:
1. Memorial or Banner Programs Cities can pre-determine locations where banners, benches, trees, bricks, etc., are available for purchase using a map for promotion. Upon purchase, the family or friends will have the ability to create a digital story for the honored individual that can be linked to a QR-Code placed on or near the funded item. The QR code creates an interactive memorial and preserves donor stories. Staff anticipates the Honoring Hudson Heros Banner program of the MVC along with the existing memorial tree and bench program could be managed through this program.
2. Sponsorships and fundraising by providing a centralized list of sponsorship or fundraising opportunities, it allows an easy method for community members to take part in a meaningful way. Examples are sponsoring concerts, playground equipment, fireworks displays, or fundraising for larger improvements like new public amenities.
3. Volunteer Management Annually the City requests volunteers to support various events like post fireworks clean up, parade assistance, etc. SeeMyLegacy enables volunteer signups for public initiatives and captures necessary contact info while respecting privacy.
Benefits
SeeMyLegacy is appealing to users because it allows for an easy and accessible way to share personal stories, invest in the community, and create a lasting impact in the community. Additional benefits of the program include:
1. Preservation of Community Stories & History
• Allows individuals to share personal stories, experiences, and legacies.
• Creates a living archive that captures local culture, heritage, and identity.
2. Fostering Community Connection
• Strengthens bonds among residents through shared experiences.
• Encourages intergenerational dialogue and civic pride.
3. Enhancement of Public Engagement
• Offers an accessible, user-friendly way for the public to participate in community projects.
• Invites diverse voices and stories that might otherwise go unheard.
4. Support for Placemaking & Local Initiatives
• Helps communities tell the story of a neighborhood, park, or city through the voices of those who live there.
• Can be integrated into public events, revitalization efforts, or downtown development phases.
5. Digital Accessibility & Longevity
• Web-based platforms make it easy for individuals to contribute and view content from anywhere.
• Ensures stories and community contributions are preserved and accessible long-term.
Timing Considerations
None
Fiscal Impact
Currently Budgeted (Account #, $)
Supplemental Appropriation Required (Account #, $)
X Appropriation Not Required.
Recommendation
Suggested Action
Following the discussion, the City Manager will work with staff to implement any outcome from the discussion with City Council.
Submitted by,
Thomas J. Sheridan, City Manager
Brian Griffith, Assistant City Manager
Greg Hannan, Community Development Director
Jena Stasik, Community Relations Manager