StoryCorps is coming to the Connective Corridor this month. The CNY Community Foundation is hosting the well-known project that captures and preserves American stories in celebration of CNYCF’s 85th anniversary.  The project, at the new CNY Philanthropy Center located on Fayette Park along the Connective Corridor, is an oral history initiative to preserve the life stories of community stewards.  Local story-tellers – philanthropists and non-profit leaders – will join the Community Foundation for personal interviews with StoryCorps.  Copies of the stories will be added to the Library of Congress.

Founded and directed by award-winning radio documentary producer and MacArthur Fellow Dave Isay, StoryCorps is the largest oral history project of its kind. Since 2003, StoryCorps has brought together thousands of people from across generational, professional, socio-economic, and cultural divides to share their life stories, history and hopes. Aired each Friday on National Public Radio’s Morning Edition, StoryCorps’ award-winning broadcasts touch millions by illuminating experiences that reflect  American culture. Stories are also online at www.storycorps.com.

StoryCorps will be in Syracuse May 10 – 12 for this project.

Established in 1927, the Community Foundation of Central New York is the pioneer behind the development of the CNY Philanthropy Center which opened in late 2010.  A stunning adaptive reuse of the 18,000 sq. ft. former University Club of Syracuse (circa 1917), the Greek Revival building overlooks scenic Fayette – Fireman’s Park in the heart of the Connective Corridor.  Work on the project was done locally by King & King Architects, VIP Structures and C&S Companies overseeing design,construction and project management. CNYCF spent $1 million to purchase the building and approximately $3.5 million to renovate it.

The U.S.GBC LEED Silver building houses CNYCF as well as two other foundations and two NGO’s.  The building, which is a tasteful historic preservation combined with modern amenities, is a hub for collaboration between the CNYCF, private foundations and nonprofit organizations, as well as business and community leaders.  It is an anchor on the Connective Corridor and also a key partner with Say Yes to Education.  CNYCF manages the Say Yes endowment fund.  Say Yes is a Syracuse University partnership initiative, located in the SALT District of the Near Westside.

The CNY Philanthropy Center second floor ballroom, overlooking Fayette Park is available for community events.  Requests can be made by calling 422-9538.

The CNY Philanthropy Center has greatly increased the visibility of CNYCF, as has another recently completed project, a partnership with Syracuse University:  CNY Vitals.

CNY Vitals provides data on trends and issues facing Central New York’s residents in order to generate discussion and catalyze action.  Syracuse University Engagement Fellows and Maxwell School students assisted with the project which is intended to:

• Aggregate benchmarks, trends and information across multiple indicator areas
• Raise awareness of community assets, needs and challenges
• Build and support civic engagement, community partnerships and collaborative efforts
• Maximize regional competitive edge and assist in creating shared goals
• Provide dashboard indicators for policy makers and the community

Managing partners included:

• F.O.C.U.S. of Greater Syracuse, a citizen-driven organization founded in 1998 that engages in research, public policy advocacy, public education and public outreach to promote intelligent, inclusive and sustainable decision making

• Community Benchmarks Program at The Maxwell School at Syracuse University, established in 1996 by The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, and institutionalized in The Maxwell School’s Policy Studies program in 2000 by former Dean John Palmer. The mission of the CBP is to support local governments, nonprofits and educational institutions through the use of comparative as part of a continuous improvement effort.