Rural America needs you!

    There are many ways for a rural resident to be involved in their own community and region.  Together, we can maintain a strong economy and promote growth.  Yet, quite often, we don't get involved.  We give ourselves reasons that are logical enough, but let's look a little more deeply.

MYTH #1 -- "My lifestyle is hectic.  I have to keep on my toes 24 hours a day just to maintain my own 'economy' and meager growth.  I cannot squeeze in a few more moments anywhere, even to save the world."

DID YOU KNOW? -- Many site-seeking companies have an interesting habit.  When they find a potential location for their new branch or even the main office, they will scope out the community by sending in a plain-clothed "spy."  This undercover researcher will wander the community to strike up conversations in the coffee shops and on the business-district sidewalks.  A common series of questions is asked: "I'm thinking of moving to this community, do you like it here?  What do you like and dislike about it?  How long have you lived here?  If I ever want to start up a business, do you think this is a good place?"  Then, they listen carefully for the answer while skillfully watching voice inflections and body language.  Our attitudes are critical to growth -- both our own and the community's.

TRUE STORY -- A middle-aged man wandered into the economic development office, sat in a chair close to the desk, and said, "I am on vacation here and was out driving on the highway.  Everyone is so friendly here.  Other motorists waved at me, and folks here in town have been chatting with me like old friends.  No one knows me, but I feel comfortable.  So, I've come to see you.  I am the CEO of my company.  We're looking to expand.  This town is getting my attention.  What can you tell me about it?"  The economic developer didn't have to do much from there.  Half the job was already done, by citizens who took a moment to be friendly.

MYTH #2 -- "I don't know much about business or economic development.  I don't have anything to contribute to my community that is needed."

RE-EVALUATION -- So much more goes into keeping rural America alive than business development.  A vital community has a lot of needs.

"So what if I don't particularly like it in this town?  I'm kind of stuck here, for the moment...and maybe for the rest of my life, but I don't want to think about that.  I hate it here."

THE ISSUE:  There are many reasons why a person may not like his or her community.  He may have lived somewhere else before and be missing the people, events, and/or landscape of where he used to live.  She may have visited some other town that has more to do, things to see, and people with like minds.  Perhaps there are more intriguing jobs somewhere else.  Perhaps a job in the line of work you are trained to do and enjoy just cannot be found where you are currently residing.  Maybe this is your hometown, and everyone knows that "no prophet is accepted in his own country."  It very well could be that you feel like an outsider, or you may feel like your town is not very friendly.

A SOLUTION:  If you have already tried all of the things below and they did not work, then moving might be a reasonable goal.  However, before you move, give some of these things a try:

• If there is nothing to do that is of interest to you, consider starting a club for those who have the same interest.  Advertise for members in the local coffee shops, library, newspaper, and grocery store bulletin board.  Arrange to meet in a comfortable, public location.  Let things fall into place as they will, or formalize the club with officers, goals, rules, etc.  If you are not outgoing enough to start a club like this on your own, visit with someone who is and who might be willing to help you start your interest group.
        If no one comes to the first meeting, try again.  It could be you picked a day and time when no one could attend.  Usually, 1-2 weeks' notice is just about right.  Less notice does not give them time to arrange their schedules.  More notice allows them to forget it is even happening!

• Get online.  There are a lot of interest groups and fascinating people in various forums (remember to practice safe and internet-wise habits).  Research various topics to your heart's content.  Telecommute -- online jobs do exist.  Find events in your region to which you are willing to drive.  You may find events that are close to home and you knew nothing about before.  And, you can always email or chat with your buddies and family members living in other communities.

• A friendly community starts with you.  If you're living among people who do not seem to like you or who treated you poorly in the past, forgive and be nice to them anyway.  Eventually, they will either realize you don't hold a grudge and truly want to be friends or they will continue to be unfriendly.  If the latter, consider that it is probably a problem of theirs.  You can likely find friends in your town.  Hang in there, and have confidence in yourself.  

• So, what if it is that you don't like the climate or the landscape where you are.  Short of inventing something that controls the weather or moves a mountain range or ocean, there isn't a whole lot that can be done about that.  If you like forests, you could plant trees.  But, that just isn't the same.  We know.  Well, it might be wise to plan on moving.  You need to be happy.  Meanwhile, try to enjoy other aspects of your current community until that day you can move.

• Go through the list below in order to better your community.  They actually work.  Don't give up!

WAYS EACH PERSON CAN HELP:

• FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS! -- Yes, you read correctly.  Have you always wanted to learn to paint or to play an instrument?  Maybe you dream of owning your own t-shirt print shop or accounting service.  It could be that you have a flair for invention and have ideas & haphazard blueprints running through your mind, but no prototype is made.  Whatever it is that drives you -- that you have a passion to do or be or experience -- go for it!  If you are happy in practicing your talented skills, then you are adding to the happiness of those around you. 

• SHARE THOSE TALENTS AND SKILLS -- No matter who you are, you have at least one skill or talent.  It is a great help just for you to share it with the community...even if that means planting a flower garden in your front yard.  The beauty of a neighborhood does wonders for a community's image.  And, as you follow your dreams and grow in your experiences, you become more confident.  Then, when you help others with that knowledge, you add to the culture and growth of the region.  From one small spark, a mighty fire can blaze.

• VOLUNTEER -- If you have a little time, volunteer it.  See if there's an economic development corporation, main street program, or community builders group in your area and ask if you could be of help somehow.  Become a LEAD member.  Join a service organization.  Help out at the local hospital or nursing home.  Give some time as a library assistant.  Be a teacher's aide.  If you are the introverted type, you could craft gifts to give to poor families or the elderly.  You could write to a soldier.  You could mentor a child.  There are all sorts of things you can enjoy while still making a difference in the lives around you.

• AVOID G*O*S*S*I*P (Gabbing On Someone else's Sins In Public) -- If you hear info about someone or something, do not spread it.  If you are concerned and need to know the truth, go to the person supposedly involved or about whom the rumor is spreading.  Small-town talk is good in the sense that it brings neighbors together for chats.  Plus, no one wants to be negatively talked about, so the crime rates stay low.  (smile)  Yet, back-biting, petty comments do erode at the spirit of a town (the community's "personality," if you will).  And, that spirit is quite noticeable to newcomers.  What personality does your town exhibit?  A change in the town's spirit starts with you.

• STAY INFORMED AND INVOLVED -- A major problem that is getting worse in rural America is apathy.  It is seen everywhere and in every form.  It is getting easier to say, "No one else cares, so why should I?  I'm getting tired and burned out.  I'm just swimming against the tide.  I think I'll just drift along with everyone else and not stick my neck out."  That is so very tempting, and we all feel that way somewhere along the way.  By all means, take a rest and rejuvenate once in a while.  Don't let yourself get burned out and drown in the "sea of humanity."  Each person is too integral to the whole for that to happen.
         However, for our own good and for that of our region, we each need to turn around and swim again.  Keep up with what city and state officials are doing.  When a policy or project comes up that interests you or you have an opinion on, speak up.  Write letters.  Go to the city council meeting or school board session.  Encourage coffee shop buddies to do the same.  Together, we honestly CAN make things happen.
  

BACK HOME