Energize Clinton County props the RLC

August 7th, 2009 by

I’ve been overcommitted lately and just haven’t had much time to write.  Near the top of my writing “to do” list has been to pass along what I learned from a conversation I had last week with Mark Rembert of Energize Clinton County.  So when Energize CC propped the Rural Learning Center yesterday on their blog and Facebook page, I felt the need to make time for a post.

As readers may know, Energize Clinton County is a grassroots movement focused on reinventing the economy of Clinton County, Ohio aroundsustainable principles.  The effort is being led by two young guys, Mark Rembert and Taylor Stuckert. 

What impressed me most during my phone conversation with Mark last week was his belief that they are making an impact on how young people view their community.  Mark, who is in his mid-twenties, explained people of his generation (Gen Y) are entrepreneurial and want to be a part of something special.  Research backs that up. 

Mark went on to say that they are beginning to see the benefits of this attitudinal change — young people are coming back.  He didn’t offer any statistics to support this claim, and he really tried not to over-hype it.  But I sensed that Mark sincerely felt they have established a beachhead in the on-going battle against young people moving away from rural communities.

So what’s leading young people to change their attitudes about Clinton County if the county isn’t flush with jobs? 

I think there are two reasons:

First, guys like Mark and Taylor are out there talking to their friends about opportunities.  Opportunities to be involved in Energize CC, and opportunities to create their own businesses.  This is significant because Gen Y listens more to buzz generated by their friends than they do promotional websites. 

Second, they are communicating using tools and language that young people connect with. Yes, Mark and Taylor have a knack for being cool, and they are using social media to spread their message to people who live outside of Clinton County.  If rural communities want to keep their young people, they need learn this language and use these tools. 

This is where I think rural communities and organizations in our part of the Midwest need to stand up and pay attention to Energize Clinton County.  It’s also why I feel “the props” should really be going to them.

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Posted in Community Development, Community Engagement, Economic Development, Gen Y, Leadership, Rural, Youth | Comments ( 0 )

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