LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER: The people who hold communities together

Every community has them.

The people who quietly show up.

The volunteer who never misses an opportunity to help a neighbor. The coach who invests years in young people. The mentor who changes the course of a life. The faith leader who offers comfort during difficult times. The organizer who unites people around a shared purpose. The individual who notices division and chooses connection instead.

Most never seek recognition.

Many would probably be uncomfortable accepting it.

Yet, these individuals are often the ones who make communities stronger.

Today, the Coeur d'Alene Press is proud to introduce a new community initiative and recurring coverage series called "The People Who Hold Communities Together.”

The series is part of an exciting new effort launching in Kootenai County through Innovia Foundation and the Aspen Institute's Weave: The Social Fabric Project, a national initiative founded by author and New York Times columnist David Brooks. The program aims to identify, celebrate, and support individuals who strengthen trust, belonging, civic engagement, and human connection within their communities.

These individuals are known as "community weavers."

They are the people who build bridges, create opportunities for connection, welcome newcomers, mentor young people, organize volunteers, strengthen neighborhoods, and quietly help communities thrive. The initiative's philosophy is straightforward: communities become healthier when people feel seen, connected, heard, valued, and included.

Innovia Foundation has been chosen as one of only a few Community Hosts nationwide and will lead the Weaver initiative in Kootenai County over the next four years. Through the program, local weavers will be recognized, connected, and supported through community-building opportunities, and eligible for microgrants aimed at strengthening grassroots efforts across the region.
This initiative arrives at an important moment.

Across the nation, communities are dealing with increasing social isolation, declining trust, and growing division. While these issues often make headlines, the solutions are usually found much closer to home.

They are found in people.

People who create belonging.

People who build relationships.

People who bring others together.

People who choose service over recognition.

As North Idaho continues to grow and change, those qualities have never been more essential.

For more than five decades, Innovia Foundation has played a key role in strengthening communities across our region through strategic philanthropy, nonprofit support, and community investment. Since 1974, Innovia has distributed over $8 million throughout Kootenai County, backing organizations, programs, and initiatives that enhance the quality of life for countless residents.

Now, through the Weaver initiative, Innovia is investing in something just as important: the human connections that make communities resilient.

As Britt Towery of Innovia Foundation recently shared:

"Every community has people who quietly bring others together, create belonging, and help neighbors feel connected. The Weaver initiative is about recognizing those individuals, celebrating their impact, and investing in the relationships that make communities stronger. We know North Idaho is full of these community weavers, and we're excited to help share their stories."

At the Coeur d'Alene Press, this effort perfectly aligns with the mission of local journalism.

For 134 years, this newspaper has chronicled the people, events, achievements, and challenges that have shaped North Idaho. While journalism must continue to shine a light on issues that deserve public attention, it is equally important to tell the stories of people creating solutions, strengthening neighborhoods, and making a positive difference in others' lives.

Those stories matter.

They remind us of who we are.

They inspire us to be better neighbors, stronger communities, and more engaged citizens.

Beginning today, readers will find regular stories and features highlighting those who keep our communities connected. Some may be familiar names; others may be individuals who have worked quietly behind the scenes for years without recognition.

All deserve to be celebrated.

Most importantly, we want this effort to belong to the community itself.

Starting June 15, nominations will open for local Weaver recognition and community grants. The nomination period will stay open through August 31, giving residents throughout Kootenai County a chance to recognize people whose actions strengthen our community every day.

We encourage you to think about the individuals who have made a difference in your life, neighborhood, school, church, nonprofit, workplace, or community.

Who are the people who bring others together?

Who are the people creating connections amid division?

Who are the people quietly making North Idaho a better place?

These are the stories we hope to tell.

Because communities are not ultimately defined by their buildings, roads, businesses, or institutions.

They are defined by the people who care enough to invest in one another.

And those people deserve to be seen.

Clint Schroeder, President & Executive Publisher

Hagadone Communications

Hagadone Newspaper & Media Groups