Forming a broader community
Today, parochialism is fine
for sports rivalries, but recreating vibrant communities often depends
on cooperation rather than competition. North Dakota communities and
counties need to work together to get enough people and money to make
a difference in their area. The legal means to do so exist and the political
and social climates are right.
Redefine your sense of
community. Rather than thinking of your community as the town in
which you live - broaden the scope to include neighboring towns as well.
With all the competition around the country, it makes sense for rural
communities to work together rather than competing for limited opportunties.
Pool your resources. Many
communities have local development funds available to help attract business.
But it often takes more than what one town to put together enough funds
to be a real player.
Consider joint promotions.
In a rural area, everyone benefits from increased tourism promotion
and business recruitment efforts. Look at teaming up with other communities
in your area to share the costs -- and the benefits -- of a larger effort
than your town could afford to undertake on its own.
Funding
for Prairie Renaissance is provided by a grant from USDA Rural Development
and by the Members of Prairie Public Television.
