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Posts Tagged ‘Pepin WS’
Getting the Right Start in Pepin, WI
October 15th, 2009
Early this week, I had the opportunity to pack my suitcase and head to Pepin, Wisconsin. Lydia Gnos, the elementary school principal in Pepin, and I met at a conference almost 2 ½ years ago where I shared the story of Miner County’s transformation. The story resonated with her, as it does with many people, and she had kept Miner County’s story in her back pocket as she explored starting a community dialogue project in Pepin.
Monday was the official launch of the Pepin-Stockholm Community Dialogue Project, and I was privileged to be a part of that start. Sharing how dialogue transformed our community is just one of the ways we can help rural communities as they begin to reimagine their rural places.
I am excited for Pepin. The people there care deeply about their community (as evidenced by a great turnout of the “Key Communicators”) and realize that talking and listening to each other about their future is the first step.
The presentation slides from the presentation, in addition to narrative about key concepts, are below.
I think there are a few concepts that stand out as I think about starting the hard work of a community dialogue project in Pepin. They include:
Handprints. As communities look to change their future, recognizing the individual and collective role of our actions is key. Our actions got us where we are. The good news? If you can see how you impacted the current state of your community, you have the agency to change it!
Community Capitals. Cornelia Flora and Jan Flora have described our communities are a series of buckets, or capitals. If we just fill one, our boat will capsize. We need to pay attention to each area, and make sure we measure how our decisions impact our whole community. Strengthening social capital (through projects like the dialogue project in Pepin) is a necessary first step. Learn more about the community capitals here.
Involve young people. Youth are vital in the process of transforming a community for several reasons: they can say what needs to be said (and question why things are the way they are) and they are typically not hindered by the prospect change. In addition, it is important to involve youth in meaningful work in the community before they leave if you hope they will return someday (creating attachment starts with giving them a purpose in the community).
As for the folks in Pepin, keep me posted on how your dialogue is evolving. These are the days that will define your future!
See more photos of my trip on Flickr here!
Tags: community capitals, education, Pepin WS, Wisconsin
Posted in Community Development, Rural, Training and Events, Youth | Comments (0)