Subscribe to this blog 
Why does “Rural” matter?
September 2nd, 2009 by Mike Knutson
In our part of the country, most rural communities have experienced 50-80 years of economic decline. This decline often leads to feelings of despair and hopelessness.
A Sense of Hope
At the Rural Learning Center (RLC), however, we have a sense of empowerment and hopefulness. We base that optimism in part on the progress being made in Howard, South Dakota and surrounding Miner County, where our work began.
Two of the most compelling signs of that progress include the Howard municipal sales tax revenues and the construction of the second phase to the Rural Learning Center.
How did you get started in Miner County?
As Randy Parry, President of the RLC, indicates in the video below titled “How did you get started in Miner County?” our work began with high school students studying local sales tax trends. Seeking to make an impact, these students shared their learning with the citizens of Howard. Their efforts as well as the innovative community development work that followed sparked an “invest in local” movement resulting in significant business investment that translated into record sales tax revenues. (see image above)
Today, we are celebrating the groundbreaking for Phase II of the Rural Learning Center in Howard. Dignitaries from around the country will be in attendance to help us celebrate and “reimagine” the possibilities for our rural places.
Why does Rural Matter?
But as we do, I think it is important that we reflect on why rural communities matter and why the Rural Learning Center is important to their futures.
To help initiate that conversation, I’ve produced a short video in which I asked Rural Learning Center employees those very questions. I hope it spurs you to reflect and share your thoughts on the subject.
Tags: groundbreaking, Howard SD, miner county sd, Rural Learning Center, sales tax, youth engagement
Posted in Community Development, In the News, Rural, Youth | Comments (
3 )
September 2nd, 2009 at 2:14 pm
I was so very fortunate to be a part of Reimagining Rural this summer. Now that I’m back at college I understand how far ahead of the curve Miner County is with this new center and all their hard work. Because of the investment of the entire community, not just the individuals seen in the videos, I know there will be a place for me to live and work in Miner County if I choose to come back. I cannot thank everyone at RLC enough for this great experience and I wish I could have been there on Main Street today recognizing everyone’s hard work.
September 2nd, 2009 at 5:20 pm
We missed you too. It was a great afternoon. The speakers were all AMAZING! (It’s not often that I say that.) And don’t be shy. If you have any free time, we’d love to publish a few “guest” posts.
September 2nd, 2009 at 7:27 pm
Now I’m missing it even more. I’ll do my best to wrangle up some free time – it’s only the third day of classes and I already have a list of homework and readings!