If you could create a civic “dream team” in Fort Wayne and northeast Indiana, whom would you choose?

The team would include people who have the ability to create and influence change. The ones who roll up their sleeves and get things done. They are trustworthy and willing to be a part of improving the community. They would work to make the region the Midwest’s best.

Someone – or maybe, many people – come to mind?

The Journal Gazette and Leadership Fort Wayne have teamed up to find those community stars. We’re asking people to nominate people they consider “connectors” in an effort to start a regionwide discussion about leadership.

The term connector comes from Malcolm Gladwell’s book “The Tipping Point.” In his book, Gladwell describes three personality types – the first being a connector. Connectors are people who seem to know everyone. They are found in many places, including traditional leadership roles, or in places you wouldn’t think to look, such as teachers, artists, coaches, religious leaders, activists, doctors and elected officials.

Think of connectors as circuits where ideas, visions, opportunities and resources may exist. They know people who know people, and they are willing to help connect others in the community. They come from all walks of life.

So that’s where we need your help. The first phase of the Leadership Fort Wayne Connector Project is to collect nominations from the public. You can submit a nomination using the application that appears on Page 4D and at www.journalgazette.net or e-mail nominations to neiconnectors@ipfw.edu.

Answer the questions on the form and include the name of the nominated person, along with the phone and e-mail for each person nominated.

Nominations will be accepted through Feb. 27. Data from the nominations will be collected and analyzed by IPFW. The list of connectors will later be published in The Journal Gazette and online at Leadership Fort Wayne.

The project’s goal is to name 100 influential people in the area.