A New Chapter for FOCUS
In 2025, it is more important than ever for citizens to stay informed, connected, and involved. Civic engagement is not just a value we promote, it is a practice we embody. Understanding what is happening locally helps each of us make better decisions and contribute to a more thoughtful, inclusive, and resilient region.
FOCUS facilitates, educates, and celebrates citizen engagement. We remain proudly nonpartisan, committed to presenting diverse perspectives and creating space for productive and informed dialogue.
In 2025, it is more important than ever for citizens to stay informed, connected, and involved. Civic engagement is not just a value we promote, it is a practice we embody. Understanding what is happening locally helps each of us make better decisions and contribute to a more thoughtful, inclusive, and resilient region.
FOCUS facilitates, educates, and celebrates citizen engagement. We remain proudly nonpartisan, committed to presenting diverse perspectives and creating space for productive and informed dialogue.
As Executive Director, my focus is on strengthening our strategic approach, expanding our funding base, and growing our program reach. While FOCUS is currently a staff of one, I am fortunate to be supported by an incredibly engaged Board of Directors and a devoted network of volunteers. We have stayed steady with limited resources and big ideas, now it is time to grow!
As we continue to deepen our civic impact, I invite you to take an active role in shaping the future of FOCUS. Your thoughts, ideas, and lived experiences matter. In the coming months, I look forward to connecting with many of you to learn what matters most to you and how FOCUS can better serve our community.
To help guide our programming, please consider participating in our Life Needs Assessment. Your feedback will be instrumental in identifying priority topics and emerging issues.
You can also share your ideas anytime via our online suggestion box. Whether it is an idea for a FOCUS Forum, how we can improve, or why you keep coming back, your reflections help us continue to offer a trusted space for learning and dialogue.
Thank you for your continued support, whether through your time, energy, or charitable giving. Each action, large or small, enables citizens, organizations, and government to work together to enhance the quality of our lives and our economic future. Let us continue to foster citizen creativity and connect people and possibilities to bring change for the greater good.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Alicia Ernest
Executive Director
FOCUS Greater Syracuse, Inc.
Our Mission
FOCUS Greater Syracuse, Inc. is a citizen driven organization that taps citizen creativity to bring about change in Central New York by enabling citizens, organizations, and government to work together to enhance the quality of our lives and our economic future.
Help FOCUS Grow!
FOCUS Greater Syracuse, Inc. is an independent 501(c)(3) organization that thrives with the support of our community. Your charitable contributions, grants, and sponsorships help us tap citizen creativity to bring about change in Central New York!
