Through an annual keynote presentation, we are elevating big ideas and inspiring conversations statewide. Our inaugural Building Opportunity Keynote in November 2018 featured world-renowned sociologist and author Prof. Robert D. Putnam, who spoke about the growing imbalance of access to health care, education, employment and other opportunities necessary to achieve social and economic success in Delaware and throughout the country.

Over 50 Book Circle conversations about Putnam’s book, Our Kids: The American Dream in Crisis, got nearly 500 Delawareans throughout the state talking about building opportunity in Delaware.

In 2019, the Building Opportunity initiative is focused on Our Towns: A 100,000-Mile Journey into the Heart of America, by journalists and authors James and Deborah Fallows. Since 2013, Deborah and James Fallows have traveled to small communities in every part of the country that are putting big ideas into action – building creative public/private partnerships, restoring downtowns, investing in innovative schools, developing vibrant open spaces and celebrating diversity.

The DCF partnered with Delaware Humanities to give away 500 copies of Our Towns and coordinate dozens of fall Book Circles throughout the state. The Book Circles set the stage for the Fallowses’ Nov. 6 keynote presentation and the annual DCF Take Action Fair, where attendees learn about opportunities to partner with the DCF.