"Another round of rural post office closings has been announced. Carol Miller, whose New Mexico post office closed six years ago, tells residents to resist with all their might."
Read the article:
» http://www.dailyyonder.com/closing-rural-po-ko-punch/2011/08/12/3472
23 August 2011
USDA $103M+ Funding Award for Rural Internet Access Expansion
USDA awards more than $103M funding to expand high-speed, broadband Internet in rural America
By Associated Press, Published: August 22
"RICHMOND, Va." Telecommunications companies in 16 states will share more than $103 million in federal funding to help expand broadband Internet access to those areas of rural America that haven't been reached by the high-speed service or are underserved, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced Monday.
Policymakers, public interest groups and telecom companies are seeking to bridge the digital divide by reaching even the most remote pockets of the U.S. with broadband internet, hoping to improve economic and educational opportunities there.
"There's a big gap that remains between rural and urban areas because it's just hard to make a business case in rural areas," said Jonathan Adelstein, the agriculture department's rural utilities service administrator, in a conference call with reporters. "Rural areas' future depends upon access to broadband and we're not where we need to be today."
Read the article:
» http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/technology/usda-awards-more-than-103 ...
23 August 2011
Measuring the Impact of Community Development
A conversation with Paul Mattessich of Wilder Research
"Community development practitioners want to be more effective. Their funders want to gauge the value of their investments. Policymakers want to demonstrate cost savings. And everyone wants to know: How did the community really benefit?
The ability to measure results has become increasingly important for community development organizations and other entities that rely on government and philanthropic funding to carry out their work. Those of us in the community development field know our work is valuable, but how can we effectively measure its impact? How can we keep the costs and complexities of a measurement system from getting out of hand? And how does our work affect broader community trends? To explore these questions, Community Dividend spoke with Paul Mattessich, Ph.D., executive director of Wilder Research."
Read the article:
» http://www.minneapolisfed.org/publications_papers/pub_display.cfm?id=4673
23 August 2011
Minneapolis Fed launches Indian Country Currents site
The Minneapolis Fed has launched Indian Country Currents, a web site designed to serve as an information gateway for individuals and organizations engaged in building thriving economies in Native communities. The site's features include an extensive list of Indian Country related articles and reports; directories of the American Indian tribes, tribal colleges, and state-tribal entities located in the Ninth Federal Reserve District, plus listings of federal agencies and national nonprofits that work on Native economic development; a calendar featuring Indian Country related workshops, conferences, and other events; and information on the Ninth District's Indian Business Alliances. Slide shows on the home page trace the Minneapolis Fed's history of helping tribes build governance, infrastructure, financial access, and resources to support sustainable private business development on reservations.
To explore the site:
» http://www.minneapolisfed.org/indiancountry
17 August 2011
Small, Local Businesses Speed Income Growth
Researchers at Penn State University have found that smaller, locally-owned businesses are better for growing incomes in a county than the presence of larger companies or big box stores owned outside the county.
Read the article:
» http://www.dailyyonder.com/small-local-businesses-speed-income-growth/2011/ ...
17 August 2011
Rural Tour Day Two: Economic Forum Opening Remarks
"On the second day of his tour through rural America, President Obama participated in a Rural Economic Forum at Northeast Iowa Community College in Peosta, Iowa. He and members of his Cabinet joined a group of farmers, small business owners, private sector leaders, rural organizations and government officials to discuss ideas and initiatives that will spur job creation and economic innovation in small towns across the nation."
Read the full story online:
» http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2011/08/16/rural-tour-day-two-economic-forum ...
16 August 2011
CDC Doubles Healthcare Grant Money to States, Localities for 2011 to $49m
Affordable Care Act Grants Will Create Jobs and Improve Quality of Care, Public Health
"HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius today awarded $49 million in grants, partly supported by the Affordable Care Act, to improve the quality of health care and strengthen the public health infrastructure. Awarded to all fifty States, the grants strengthen State, local and territorial health departments'capacity to perform critical epidemiology and laboratory work, detect and prevent healthcare-associated infections and support immunization programs. This is double the spending for the same programs in 2010."
Read the full story online:
» http://www.stonehearthnewsletters.com/cdc-doubles-health-care-grant-money-t ...
16 August 2011
Rural Charity Sees Bright Horizons and Growing Pains
Farm Rescue steers volunteers to families that can't take care of planting or other key tasks, but it cannot keep up with demand for its services.
Read the full story online:
» http://philanthropy.com/article/A-Rural-Charity-Sees-Bright/128334/?sid=pt& ...
16 August 2011
Health Care Incentives Included In New Rural Initiative
"The Obama administration is launching a rural economic initiative that will affect rural doctors and hospitals.
ABC: Obama Unveils New Initiatives To Spur Job Growth In Rural Areas HHS will modify the National Health Service Corps loan repayment program to allow more than 1,300 small, rural hospitals to recruit new physicians. (The White House estimates that the addition of one new primary care physician in a rural community generates $1.5 million in annual revenue and creates 23 jobs annually.) (Dwyer, 8/16).
Des Moines Register: Obama Announces Business Initiatives Rural hospitals and clinicians will be linked to loan programs that enable them to purchase health-information technology. Now, rural hospitals tend to have lower financial operating margins and limited capital to make investments needed to purchase hardware, software and other equipment (Eller, 8/16)."
Read the story online:
» http://smtp01.kaiserhealthnews.org/t/23417/342758/22314/0/
10 August 2011
IRS Changes Mileage Reimbursement Rate
The Internal Revenue Service has announced that effective July 1, 2011 the business mileage reimbursement rate is $0.555 (55.5 cents), up from $0.510, the rate that was in effect for business miles driven between January 1, 2011 to June 30, 2011. The IRS updates this rate from time to time based on the cost of fuel and other factors associated with wear and tear on personal vehicles used for business purposes. The rate for deducting medical or moving expenses changed to $0.235 (from $0.19). The rate for deduction of volunteer mileage remains the same at $0.14.
4 August 2011
Defining Rural: Too Many Definitions Cause Problems
"KANSAS CITY -- Too many federal definitions of "rural" make it hard for local officials to figure out what programs they qualify for, so Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack said he will ask the White House Rural Council and Congress to try to reduce the number.
After a participant in the Council on Foundations conference on rural philanthropy said that variations in qualifications for various rural development programs make it difficult for communities to participate, Vilsack said he would be glad to take the issue to the White House Rural Council, an Obama administration innovation composed of Cabinet officers and leaders of other federal agencies.
Vilsack jokingly asked the audience if they were bothered that USDA has 11 different definitions of rural America. The varying definitions, which depend on population and other characteristics, "provide a convenient excuse not to do something," he said.
Some programs say a rural community cannot be more than 50,000 people, Vilsack said, while other programs are for populations of only 20,000. If the population has three people above that number, the community cannot qualify.
The rural development division of USDA is engaged in a variety of programs to help rural America with everything from water and sewer to high-speed Internet service to energy development, but the rules for those programs vary".
Read the full article:
» http://www.kfgo.com/agri-business-news.php?ID=9236
28 July 2011
USDA Seeks Rural Stakeholder Comments on Regulatory Reform
via AHA News Now
"The U.S. Department of Agriculture has scheduled a series of meetings and teleconferences for rural stakeholders, including those from the health care field, to learn how the agency can enhance administration and delivery of its rural development programs as part of its regulatory reform initiative. For a list of scheduled events and future updates, visit www.rurdev.usda.gov. Questions and written comments may be directed to . In January, President Obama ordered each federal agency to develop a plan for retrospective review of existing rules to identify those that should be eliminated, streamlined or improved to address regulatory burdens or inefficiencies."
Visit AHA News Now:
» http://www.ahanews.com/ahanews_app/searchNewsNow.jsp
27 July 2011
Rural US disappearing? Population Share Hits Low
by Hope Yen (Associated Press)
"WASHINGTON (AP) - Rural America now accounts for just 16 percent of the nation's population, the lowest ever.
The latest 2010 census numbers hint at an emerging America where, by midcentury, city boundaries become indistinct and rural areas grow ever less relevant. Many communities could shrink to virtual ghost towns as they shutter businesses and close down schools, demographers say."
Read the article online:
» http://www.ksl.com/?nid=157&sid=16552339#.TjCIvkI16bM.email
27 July 2011
What's Up with White House Rural Council
'The Obama Administration set up the National Rural Council in June. The idea was to coordinate federal government agencies as they worked in rural America -- that, and government officials say they will "listen" to citizens at "rural roundtables."'
Read the full story:
» http://www.dailyyonder.com/whats-national-rural-council/2011/07/26/3446
27 July 2011
Rural Americans Face Greater Lack of Healthcare Access
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Rural Americans are more likely to suffer from chronic health conditions such as diabetes, heart problems and cancer, and face greater difficulty accessing quality healthcare than urban counterparts, according to a report released on Wednesday.
The challenges facing healthcare providers for rural areas could be compounded by recent healthcare legislation, according to the UnitedHealth Center for Health & Reform Modernization.
"This is kind of an opportunity," UnitedHealth chair and report author Simon Stevens told Reuters. "Expanding coverage will mean that more people will have the ability to access care than before, but it's also a wake-up call."
The Center projects that around 8 million more rural residents will join Medicaid, state and government-subsidized insurance plans in the national coverage expansions than would have otherwise -- a net expansion of some 5 million people.
The paper found that there are only 65 primary care physicians per 100,000 rural Americans -- 40 or so less than the 105 per 100,000 urban and suburban Americans.
View the report online:
» http://news.yahoo.com/rural-americans-face-greater-lack-healthcare-access-r ...
19 July 2011
Senator Baucus Announces Triumph for Montana's Small Businesses
"Today's announcement means the U.S. Department of Treasury has closed on a $13 million grant for Montana as part of the State Small Business Credit Initiative as outlined by the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010. The program is designed to attract $10 in new private lending for every $1 in federal funding which would unleash $130 million in new lending for Montana's small businesses."
Read the full story:
» http://matr.net/article-45575.html
19 July 2011
New Season of Formidable Footprint
"A new season of Formidable Footprint exercises has been scheduled and now is the time for neighborhood, community and faith based organizations to make plans to participate by registering today.
The first six Formidable Footprint exercises had 1,237 teams from throughout the United States and several foreign countries assessing their disaster planning and response capabilities in a meaningful internet based exercise opportunity.
Earthquake Exercise "“ July 30 2011
Exercises have also been scheduled for the following scenarios:
Flood "“ Hurricane "“ Pandemic "“ Tornado "“ Wildfire
The Formidable Footprint exercise series has been developed in accordance with Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP) protocols. The objective of the exercise series is for CERTs, Neighborhood Watch Programs, Neighborhood Associations, Community / Faith Based Organizations, Citizen Corps, Fire Corps and others to work as a team to become better prepared for the next disaster their community may face.
There is NO CHARGE for participation in any of the Formidable Footprint exercises."
For additional information or to register for the up-coming Earthquake Exercise please access the following web site today:
» http://www.formidablefootprint.org/
12 July 2011
A Case Study in Popular Education and More Webinar Recording Available
via Leadership Learning Community
"A Case Study in Popular Education and More Presented by
Lynette Flage, North Dakota State University Extension Service
Ruby Lee, Program Director, Northwest Area Foundation
Deborah Meehan, Executive Director, Leadership Learning Community
Patrick L. Scully, Everyday Democracy
We wish to thank everyone for their participation in the A Case Study in Popular Education and More webinar and for raising many thoughtful questions. We also extend our deep appreciation to the panel of presenters: Lynette Flage, North Dakota State University Extension Service; Ruby Lee, Northwest Area Foundation; Deborah Meehan, Leadership Learning Community; and Patrick L. Scully, Everyday Democracy.
We are pleased to share with you the recorded PowerPoint Presentation which is now available on our site."
Offender Reentry in Indian Country & Native Communities
via National Reentry Resource Center Spotlight Announcement
"Register Now for BJ's Offender Reentry in Indian Country & Native Communities Upcoming Webinar: Reentry and Information Sharing
This webinar is the fourth in an eight-part series that is built on the recently released Department of Justice publication, Strategies for Creating Offender Reentry Programs in Indian Country, which provides recommendations and information on promising practices related to offender reentry in Indian country.
Date: Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Time: 3:00-4:00 p.m. ET
Webinar Description:
Tribal members returning to their communities after serving time in a tribal detention facility or state/federal facility should have a transition plan in place. This plan can help facilitate successful transition, while also ensuring community and victim safety through appropriate supervision. This webinar will discuss aspects of the Tribal Law & Order Act (TLOA) that could affect the tribe's capacity to work with members returning to the community after incarceration. Presenters will discuss the types of information that tribal justice agencies need to consider when making transition plans and strategies to access this information. The Wisconsin Tribal Community Reintegration Program will be spotlighted.
Presenters:
Kimberly A. Cobb, Research Associate, American Probation & Parole Association
Richard Van Boxtel, Chief of Police, Oneida Police Department, Oneida, Wisconsin
Tsyosha'aht C. Delgado, Wisconsin Tribal Community Reintegration Program Director
To register for this free webinar go to: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/647824930. Once you register, you will receive a confirmation with all the information necessary to access the webinar on the designated day. If you do not receive the confirmation, please notify Kim Cobb via email at or phone at or Lisa Ginter via email at or via phone at ."
11 July 2011
Can the ACA Slow the Rural Brain Drain?
By Haydn Bush
Post-reform predictions are everywhere these days. One advocacy group is even hoping the ACA will stimulate widespread rural economic growth.
Read the story:
» http://www.hhnmag.com/hhnmag/HHNDaily/HHNDailyDisplay.dhtml?id=1140007168
5 July 2011
A Michigan Nonprofit Serves Up a Double Deal for Healthier Eating
With its Double Up Food Bucks program, the Ann Arbor, Mich., nonprofit organization seeks to improve poor communities' access to healthy, nutritious food while at the same time aiding Michigan's farmers and rural economy.
The National Prevention Strategy: America's Plan for Better Health and Wellness
On June 16, 2011 the National Prevention, Health Promotion, and Public Health Council, announced the release of the National Prevention Strategy, a comprehensive plan that will help increase the number of Americans who are healthy at every stage of life. The National Prevention Strategy recognizes that good health comes not just from receiving quality medical care, but also from clean air and water, safe outdoor spaces for physical activity, safe worksites, healthy foods, violence-free environments and healthy homes. Prevention should be woven into all aspects of our lives, including where and how we live, learn, work and play. Everyone, businesses, educators, health care institutions, government, communities and every single American has a role in creating a healthier nation.
The Strategic Directions are:
Healthy and Safe Community Environments: Create, sustain, and recognize communities that promote health and wellness through prevention.
Clinical and Community Preventive Services: Ensure that prevention-focused health care and community prevention efforts are available, integrated, and mutually reinforcing.
Empowered People: Support people in making healthy choices.
Elimination of Health Disparities: Eliminate disparities, improving the quality of life for all Americans.
Full National Report at:
» http://www.healthcare.gov/center/councils/nphpphc/strategy/report.pdf
21 June 2011
Rural America Hit Hardest by "˜Natural Decrease", Study Finds
By Mary Elizabeth Dallas
FRIDAY, June 17 (HealthDay News)
Last year, more people died than were born in nearly one-quarter of all U.S. counties, a new study shows.This trend, known as natural decrease, is the result of younger people moving away, as well as decreases in fertility levels.
Read story online:
» http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_113354.html
17 June 2011
Obama Administration Releases National Prevention Strategy
The National Prevention Strategy includes actions that public and private partners can take to help Americans stay healthy and fit and improve our nation's prosperity. The strategy outlines four strategic directions that, together, are fundamental to improving the nation's health. Those four strategic directions are:
Building Healthy and Safe Community Environments: Prevention of disease starts in our communities and at home; not just in the doctor's office.
Expanding Quality Preventive Services in Both Clinical and Community Settings: When people receive preventive care, such as immunizations and cancer screenings, they have better health and lower health care costs.
Empowering People to Make Healthy Choices: When people have access to actionable and easy-to-understand information and resources, they are empowered to make healthier choices.
Eliminating Health Disparities: By eliminating disparities in achieving and maintaining health, we can help improve quality of life for all Americans.
For more information:
» http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2011pres/06/20110616a.html
17 June 2011
Study of Factors Involved in U.S. Deaths
How many US deaths are caused by poverty, low levels of education and other social factors?
A new study finds that the numbers are in the same range as deaths from heart attacks and stroke
How researchers classify and quantify causes of death across a population has evolved in recent decades. In addition to long-recognized physiological causes such as heart attack and cancer, the role of behavioral factors"including smoking, dietary patterns and inactivity"began to be quantified in the 1990s. More recent research has begun to look at the contribution of social factors to U.S. mortality. In the first comprehensive analysis of such studies, researchers at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that poverty, low levels of education, poor social support and other social factors contribute about as many deaths in the U.S. as such familiar causes as heart attacks, strokes and lung cancer.
The full study findings are published online ahead of print in the American Journal of Public Health:
» http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2011-06/cums-hmu061611.php#
11 June 2011
Rural Community Facilities Program is a Lifeline
via USA Today (05/18/2011)
"WASHINGTON" The U.S. Department of Agriculture, known for its drought and disaster assistance to farmers, is providing hundreds of millions of dollars to cash-strapped towns and public safety agencies to buy police patrol cars, equip fire stations and renovate courthouses.
Part of a broad mission directed by the agency's Rural Community Facilities Program, the mix of grants and loans is offering a lifeline to small communities across the country that are struggling in a difficult economy.
Since FY 2006, the program has doled out $770 million in public safety funding, including $39million for 1,235 police cars and $120.5million for 1,149 firetrucks, according to department records. Though not widely known outside rural areas served by the program, the funding is drawing new interest from financially stressed communities and as traditional sources of public safety aid " from the U.S. Justice Department and Department of Homeland Security" are being reduced.
'The first time I heard of this program, I was surprised,' said Seneca Falls, N.Y., Police Chief Frederick Capozzi, an advocate for the agriculture program. 'You have to be broad-minded when you're looking for money. And we're all looking for money for training and equipment.'
Capozzi, who heads a 13-person department, said the agriculture funding is providing crucial aid to agencies supported by small community tax bases, where a new firetruck or police car often is a prohibitive expense.
'There are things we just can't afford to buy,' said Capozzi, whose own village government will be largely eliminated in December as part of a cost-savings move."
Read more at:
» http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2011-05-17-Agriculture-Department-f ...
10 June 2011
Healthy Communities NYC Conference
via Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
"On Monday, June 13, an innovative symposium will bring together leaders from the urban planning, housing, government, business, philanthropy and health care sectors to explore how the billions of dollars that are spent each year on community development can make the places where we live, learn, work and play healthier.
Co-sponsored by the Federal Reserve Banks of New York and San Francisco, the New York Academy of Medicine, and the Primary Care Development Corporation, with support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the Healthy Communities: New York City conference will feature a broad range of speakers including:
Krishna Guha, Executive Vice President of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York
Linda I. Gibbs, New York City Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services
Jo Ivey Boufford, President of the New York Academy of Medicine (NYAM)
Dan Nissenbaum, Chief Operating Officer of the Urban Investment Group, a division of Goldman Sachs Bank USA
James Marks, Senior Vice President and Director, Health Group, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
LIVE VIDEO STREAM: Watch live video coverage of the conference on June 13 from 8:45 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. EDT. Register for the live video stream:
» http://event.xfactorcom.com/frbny/20110613/
CONFERENCE MATERIALS: View the agenda, a list of featured speakers and learn more about this RWJF-supported event at the conference website:
» http://www.frbsf.org/cdinvestments/conferences/healthy-communities/2011-new ...
FOLLOW ON TWITTER: Follow the conference on Twitter at the hashtag #FedHealth:
» http://twitter.com/#!/search/%23FedHealth
9 June 2011
Obama Administration Establishes White House Rural Council to Strengthen Rural Communities
WASHINGTON, D.C. "“ The White House today announced the establishment of the first White House Rural Council. While rural communities face challenges, they also present economic potential. To address these challenges, build on the Administration's rural economic strategy, and improve the implementation of that strategy, the President signed an Executive Order establishing the White House Rural Council.
"Strong rural communities are key to a stronger America,"said President Barack Obama. "That's why I've established the White House Rural Council to make sure we're working across government to strengthen rural communities and promote economic growth."
The White House Rural Council will coordinate programs across government to encourage public-private partnerships to promote further economic prosperity and quality of life in rural communities nationwide. Chaired by Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, the Council will be responsible for providing recommendations for investment in rural areas and will coordinate Federal engagement with a variety of rural stakeholders, including agricultural organizations, small businesses, and state, local, and tribal governments.
View more of the press release:
» http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2011/06/09/obama-administration- ...
7 June 2011
Native American Credit Counselor Webinar
Tuesday, June 14, 2011 @ 10am Mountain
"Join us for the next Mobilizing Rural Communities Webinar!
Whether community members want to start a business, buy a home, pay off debt, or gain a better understanding of their financial health; strong credit and education is an important building block to individual and community financial success. Understanding opportunities and unique culture can help consumers reach their personal and community goals. This is why RDI developed the Native American Credit Counselor (NACC) program. Learn more about the NACC program on the upcoming Mobilizing Rural Communities webinar"June 14, 2011 at 10am Mountain. We look forward to sharing this innovative strategy for community sustainability."
American Community Survey: The New Era for Detailed Data
"Please join the Rural Assistance Center for a free webinar:
Webinar Title: American Community Survey: The New Era for Detailed Data
Featured Speaker: Kathleen Miller, RUPRI Program Director
Date: Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Time: 2:00pm Central (12:00pm Pacific, 1:00pm Mountain, 3:00pm Eastern)
Description: When the U.S. Census is taken every 10 years, it collects valuable information on social and economic conditions in rural areas. But in today's society, that information can be quickly outdated. Enter the American Community Survey (ACS), a continuous collection survey that provides more frequent and up-to-date data for all communities.
In this webinar, Kathleen Miller discusses the ACS and how it is used to collect data, as well as issues with ACS methodology and results. She will also touch on special considerations that must be taken into account when using ACS data, and how rural communities can use that data to drive policy development.
Registration: Visit http://www.raconline.org/contact/register.php to register. Please note, there are a limited number of seats available; however, we hope to make a recording available on our website after the live event. This webinar is free. A phone connection and high-speed internet are required to participate. Connection details will be emailed to you prior to the event.
If you have questions or problems with the registration process, please contact Elaine King at elaine.king@med.und.edu or 701.777.2094."
7 June 2011
Health Data Initiative
The Community Health Data Initiative is a major new public-private effort that aims to help Americans understand health and health care performance in their communities -- and to help spark and facilitate action to improve performance.
» http://www.hhs.gov/open/plan/opengovernmentplan/initiatives/initiative.html
The Health Data Initiative is an incredibly exciting public-private collaboration that is encouraging innovators to utilize data made publicly available by HHS and others to help fuel applications and services that can help improve health and health care.
» http://www.hhs.gov/open/index.html
6 June 2011
Community Health Improvement Week is NOW
from ACHI Member Bulletin
June 5-11, 2011
"Community Health Improvement Week is a national recognition event to raise awareness and increase understanding of community health improvement activities and the people and organizations that lead them.
It's not too late to take action!
Here are a few ideas for joining the celebration this week:
Download the Community Health Fact Sheet, customize it, and share it in your organization and with your partners.
Download the News Release template, add your own information and quotes, and distribute to local media, community partners and via your social media networks.
Send a Thank You message to your staff and/or your partners in the community for their important work and participation with you to advance the health of your community.
Send an email to your organization's leadership and/or staff announcing Community Health Improvement Week, and share examples of the value and outcomes you deliver to your community and your organization.
Visit Community Health Improvement Week's web page for additional resources and ideas.
Established by the Association for Community Health Improvement (ACHI), this Week is an opportunity for community health professionals, organizations and coalitions to:
RAISE AWARENESS and INCREASE UNDERSTANDING of the vital role of community health improvement strategies, as complementary to but distinct from individual medical care;
DEMONSTRATE THE VALUE AND IMPACT of your organization's community health initiatives, both within the organization and to community stakeholders; and
CELEBRATE COMMUNITY HEALTH PROFESSIONALS in all settings, including hospitals, community health centers, public health agencies and healthy communities coalitions."
26 May 2011
Amber Waves, June 2011
Amber Waves presents the broad scope of ERS's research and analysis. The magazine covers the economics of agriculture, food and nutrition, the food industry, trade, rural America, and farm-related environmental topics. Available on the Internet and in print, Amber Waves is issued in print four times a year (March, June, September, and December). The Internet edition, or "eZine,"includes links to web-only resources, such as podcasts and additional articles.
View the June edition online:
» http://www.ers.usda.gov/AmberWaves/June11/
24 May 2011
Community Health Improvement Week
from ACHI Member Bulletin
"Join ACHI in celebrating the first ever national recognition week for the people, organizations and coalitions dedicated to community health improvement! Let's work together to celebrate the important work that you do!
ACHI wants to help YOU celebrate Community Health Improvement Week in your organization and in your community. Please visit our web site at www.communityhlth.org/chiweek to learn more about what you can do!
We encourage you to take this opportunity to raise awareness, increase understanding, demonstrate value and impact and celebrate the community health professionals in all settings! ACHI has provided a few resources, tools and suggested templates to help you leverage Community Heath Improvement Week. We suggest things like acknowledging your employees and community health workers for their investment in and commitment to advancing health, and highlighting successful programs via "lunch and learn"events, news releases, and more. Use Community Health Improvement Week to share your work both internally within your organization and with the wider community.
We also encourage you to share your Community Health Improvement Week ideas and activities with members via any of the following communication vehicles:
Member list serv: send an e-mail to .
ACHI's LinkedIn group: Visit it here and post a discussion item.
ACHI's Facebook page: Visit it here and post a discussion item or announcement.
And, please let us know () of your activities, additional suggestions and other ideas.
We'll have more information and tools to share before and during the Week, so stay tuned."
20 May 2011
Federal Program Forgets Rural America
by Rick Cohen and Ruth McCambridge
The Social Innovation Fund is a federal program aimed at encouraging community-based solutions for local problems. When the Fund gave out its grants, however, rural America was largely missing.
Read the article online:
» http://www.dailyyonder.com/federal-program-forgets-rural-america/2011/05/19 ...
20 May 2011
2011 National Rural Assembly
"Join the National Rural Assembly in St. Paul, Minnesota, on June 28-30 for a jam-packed agenda that addresses the most critical issues affecting rural communities today.
Is your organization sorting through the Affordable Care Act? Following broadband discussions? Developing a climate change plan? Or encouraging entrepreneurship and wealth creation in your small town? Rural leaders from across the country will come together over a two-day period to discuss these issues and more.
A series of work sessions will provide participants with the opportunity to go deep and build a set of recommendations that will then be carried forward to policymakers by the Rural Assembly in the coming year. Sessions will offer collaboration around topics such as housing, energy and natural resources, tribal issues, philanthropy, immigration, the farm bill, youth policy and rural education grants, Social Security, and green jobs. Participants will also hear from key rural leaders and policymakers with insight into the status of rural America in the national policy scene.
The objectives for this gathering include developing a common language and tools for participants to use in framing rural issues powerfully in a national context. Our collective voice can carry the common message that rural America offers innovative solutions for some of the nation's greatest challenges."
For more information:
» http://2011.ruralassembly.org/
20 May 2011
Financing High Impact Ventures: Creating Wealth and Jobs in Montana
"TechLink to offer "Financing High IMpact ventures: creating wealth and jobs in montana"
an InITiative of the Governor's office of Economic development and the state workforce investment board
Helena, MT May 18, 2011: TechLink will host the new half day seminar created by internationally known entrepreneur and angel investor, Bill Payne, a part-time Montana resident, and Liz Marchi of the Montana Angel Network on financing a high impact venture. "Investors invest in businesses, not ideas. At TechLink, we are committed to being part of the larger ecosystem that turns discovery, processes and ideas into companies that employ Montanans at good wages"according to Dr. Will Swearingen, Executive Director of TechLink. TechLink, based at Montana State University, is a nationally recognized leader in technology-based economic development.
Economic data continue to underscore the importance of innovation and new enterprises as the key drivers of jobs. In response, the SWIB and GOED will make this seminar available to entrepreneurs across the state as part of Governor Schweitzer's Innovate Montana Initiative.
The Seminar will be held on Tuesday, June 14, at the TechLink/MMEC Building, 2310 University Way, Bldg 2 in Bozeman. Registration opens at 8:00am with the seminar running from 8:30am to 1:00pm. Cost is $50 and includes two new publications: Startup and the Entrepreneurs Path, as well as refreshments and lunch."
For more information:
» http://www.innovatemontana.com/
19 May 2011
Tax Credits and Rural Incomes
by Ron Durst and Tracey Farrigan
An increasing amount of the money the nation's spends in efforts to raise the income of poor Americans comes in the form of tax credits.
Read the article online:
» http://www.dailyyonder.com/tax-credits-and-rural-incomes/2011/05/12/3326
18 May 2011
Rural Isn't All About Farming
by Bill Bishop
The Washington Post's Ezra Klein said the federal government subsidizes rural life. He was absolutely wrong. But Klein isn't alone in making this assumption.
Read the article online:
» http://www.dailyyonder.com/rural-isnt-all-about-farming/2011/05/16/3330
9 May 2011
Rural Incomes Fall 2008 to 2009
by Bill Bishop
"The average per capita income in rural counties in 2009 was 79% of the national average, up slightly from 2000."
Read the story:
» http://www.dailyyonder.com/rural-incomes-fall-2008-2009/2011/05/08/3316
4 May 2011
Straw and Grit Built the Best Small Library
by Paul Paladino
"After one failed attempt to build a new rural library, a Colorado library district regrouped, researched, bought a choice downtown site and settled on an energy-efficient design. All that hard work built the best small library in the nation."
Read the story:
» http://www.dailyyonder.com/grit-and-green-build-best-small-library/2011/04/ ...
2 May 2011
Heart & Soul Community Planning Handbook
2011 Handbook by the Orton Family Foundation:
"We recognize that Heart & Soul Community Planning can only be as successful as the communities that pursue it. We designed this Handbook to help you unlock the potential in your town, and to share what we've learned from our partner project towns thus far."
For more information:
» http://www.orton.org/resources/hs_handbook
11 April 2011
About Financial Literacy Month
"Today, a majority of consumers are experiencing some sort of financial difficulty causing a significant impact on their everyday lives. In fact, Americans carry more than $2 trillion in consumer debt and 30 percent of consumers report having no extra cash; making it impossible to escape the burden of living paycheck to paycheck.
April has been declared National Financial Literacy Month; and for good reason. Too many Americans are insufficiently educated about their personal finances. In honor of Financial Literacy Month, the experts at Money Management International (MMI) created FinancialLiteracyMonth.com. No matter what day or month of the year a consumer begins their 30 step path to financial wellness, it will help them to create a successful strategy to better their overall financial position.
As proud members of the nation's largest nonprofit, full-service credit counseling organization, we have developed materials that cover a wide range of topics; all to help educate you in making the most of your money and achieve financial wellness. Having a clear and accurate picture of where you are and where you want to be will make establishing and accomplishing financial goals a painless reality!
If you are a member of the media looking to share a financial tip, strategy or educational information with your audience please contact us.
Best wishes,
Dave
David M Young, Professor
MSU Extension & College of Nursing
Culbertson Hall, Room 235B
(406) 994-5552
E-mail:
Website: http://www.msuextension.org/CommRes/index.html
Montana State University Extension is an ADA/EO/AA/Veteran's Preference Employer and Provider of Educational Outreach"
For more information:
» http://www.financialliteracymonth.com/About.aspx
7 April 2011
$311 Mil to States to Help with Energy Costs
Today U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced the release of $311 million to states to help low-income homeowners and renters meet home energy costs under the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The continuing resolution currently in place directs HHS to release these funds to states, territories, tribes and the District of Columbia.
"Many families are burdened with making difficult financial decisions when it comes to their home energy needs," said Sebelius. "The release of these funds will help those low-income individuals and families pay their energy bills, reduce those high energy costs and get the basic essentials they need to sustain a healthy and quality standard of living."
LIHEAP assists qualified families with their home energy needs such as heating in the winter, cooling their homes in the summer, and insulating their homes to make them more energy efficient. By doing so, families are able to pay for heating and electricity, make weather related improvements to their homes and prevent service interruptions.
The $311 million in block grant funds released today supplement the previous LIHEAP funding made available to states under the continuing resolutions since October 1, totaling $4.2 billion for Fiscal Year 2011.
"Countless families across the country continue to endure tough economic conditions," said David A. Hansell, HHS acting assistant secretary for children and families. "These additional LIHEAP funds will provide assistance to individuals who face the troubles of paying their electric, natural gas or other energy bills while meeting other essential household expenses."
For a complete listing of state allocations of funds released today go to:
» http://www.acf.hhs.gov/news/press/2011/fy11apr_liheap_funds_cr.html
Individuals interested in applying for energy assistance should contact their local/state LIHEAP agency.
For more information:
» http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ocs/liheap» http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ocs/liheap/brochure/brochure.html» http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2011pres/04/20110407a.html
6 April 2011
Conference on Rural Wealth Creation and Livelihoods
The Economic Research Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Ford Foundation are convening a National Conference on Rural Wealth Creation and Livelihoods, October 3 - 5, 2011, in Washington, D.C. "Wealth" can be considered to include a broad range of assets that contribute to human well-being, including physical, natural, financial, human, intellectual, social, political and cultural capital. Fostering wealth creation that leads to improved livelihoods in rural America is a top priority for USDA and for many regional, state and local research and development initiatives. The conference will bring together researchers, rural development practitioners and policy-makers who are working on regional and rural development issues to discuss and facilitate a common understanding of:
What do "wealth" and "wealth creation" mean?
What works, where, and why"or why not"to promote wealth creation that improves rural livelihoods?
How can regional policies and programs contribute to wealth creation that sticks in rural areas?
How can we measure rural wealth creation progress, maintenance and outcomes?
The conference is also intended to begin to develop a practical, results-relevant dialog among the research, practitioner and policy communities and a community of practice focused on rural wealth creation and livelihoods.
All those interested in attending the conference are requested to apply by responding to the Call for Participation, which has links to the application. Applications are due by May 15, 2011.
For more information:
» http://www.ers.usda.gov/ConferenceCenter/RuralWealthCreation/
4 April 2011
USDA People's Garden and eXtension Offer Online Training
"The USDA People's Garden Initiative and eXtension are proud to announce the Healthy Gardening Training Series. These online sessions are part of the coursework for an Executive Master Gardener Program at USDA Headquarters. This program is an abbreviated version of the Extension Master Gardener curriculum for capitol area USDA employees. Several of last year's program participants went on to become master gardeners through their county programs, but all obtained an appreciation for the work that Cooperative Extension does across the country.
While only capital area USDA employees may become Executive Master Gardeners, the online sessions are being offered via webinar. There is no charge for registration and all sessions are open to the public.
For more information:
» http://blogs.extension.org/mastergardener
Or view the original article:
» http://about.extension.org/2011/04/04/usda-people's-garden-and-extension-of ...
1 April 2011
Social Media and Community Development
The Heartland Center for Leadership Development will host a webinar "Social Media and Community Development" on Tuesday, May 17, 2011 at 12:00 PM CDT. This webinar will help participants design a social media toolkit that can be used immediately. Participants will learn what strategies other communities are implementing and why, look at best practices in website and social media development, find out five elements every website should have and focus five strategies to make these work. Registration is $69.99, and will close on 5/5/2011.
To register for the webinar:
» http://www.heartlandcenter.info/webinar_reg/webinar-account.asp?cmd=2
The more poverty in a county (households with income below the Federal poverty line), the more likely that county residents have unmet health care needs, concludes a new study. The researchers examined the impact of regional poverty on 11,255 individuals in Ohio's 48 rural counties and 28,698 individuals in the State's 40 urban counties. They found that almost identical proportions of each group reported an unmet health care need (14.6 percent for rural and 14.5 percent for urban county residents), a marker of health care access. Overall, higher regional poverty in Ohio was associated with a significant 8 percent increased risk of unmet health care needs for rural and urban county residents. This rose to an 11 percent greater risk after adjustment for other factors affecting unmet health care needs, such as health care resources, social capital, and social disruption.
Different measures of health care resources varied in their impact on rural and urban counties. For example, the proportion of physicians in primary care and hospital beds per capita were associated with unmet health care needs in rural settings. Yet only the proportion of Medicare beneficiaries in managed care showed an association with health care needs in urban areas.
The findings were based on several regional data sources combined with the 2004 Ohio Family Health Survey (an adult sample of 39,953 persons from all 88 counties). Based on their findings, the researchers suggest that interventions to reduce regional poverty could improve health through better access to care. The study was funded in part by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (T32 HS00059).
More details are in "County-level poverty is equally associated with unmet health care needs in rural and urban settings," by Lars E. Peterson, M.D., Ph.D., and David G. Litaker, M.D., Ph.D., in the Fall 2010 The Journal of Rural Health 26(4); pp. 373-382.
For more information:
» http://www.ahrq.gov/research/apr11/0411RA3.htm
25 March 2011
Richland County Community Foundation
Recently, the Richland County Community Foundation applied for and received a grant to purchase books on financial literacy for kids and parents in Richland County. Thanks to the funds from the Northwest Area Foundation, which were distributed through the Horizons program at MSU-Extension, the RCCF was able to donate books to the Sidney Boys & Girls Club, Fairview WASP, and Family Resource Center. At left, Foundation Board Member Ray Trumpower presents the books to the children of the Fairview WASP program, and at right, kids from the Boys & Girls Club show off their new books with board member Jodi Christensen (left) and Sarah Sifers, executive director for the Club.
24 March 2011
Rural Assistance Center Webinar
" Please join the Rural Assistance Center for a free webinar:
Webinar Title: ACA and You - How to Anticipate Changes in Rural Places Featured Speaker: Keith Mueller, Chair of the RUPRI Rural Health Panel Date: Wednesday, March 30, 2011 Time: 2:00-3:00 Central
Description: What impact will health care reform have on rural communities? This webinar discusses the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) and how it could affect rural residents, providers and their communities. From changes in the insurance market and health care access, to changes in how provider payments are made, new approaches to organizing and financing services will be needed. Since many of these changes will be driven by decisions at state and local levels, this discussion can help communities influence those decisions in a way that benefits rural areas.
Registration: Visit http://www.raconline.org/contact/register.php to register. Please note, there are a limited number of seats available. This webinar is free. A phone connection and high-speed internet are required to participate. Connection details will be emailed to you prior to the event.
If you have questions or problems with the registration process, please contact Elaine King at or 701.777.2094. "
10 March 2011
RUPRI Center for Rural Entrepreneurship Blog
Read the blog and join the discussion. The RUPRI Center for Rural Entrepreneurship has created a blog on their social networking site called Opening Dialogue - Positioning Rural America in a New Economic Reality. They encourage your comments, ideas, solutions and suggestions and sharing resources, case studies, examples of places that are working to move regional development strategies forward. To read the blog, go to http://elgg.energizingentrepreneurs.org/pg/blog/DebMarkley/read/14623/opening-dialogue-positioning-rural-america-in-a-new-economic-reality . If you want to comment, you'll need to register for the social networking site (a simple process) at http://elgg.energizingentrepreneurs.org/account/register.php.
4 March 2011
Census: Near Record Level of U.S. Counties Dying
Carsey Institute Senior Demographer Ken Johnson's research indicates that roughly 760 of the nation's 3,142 counties are fading away, stretching from industrial areas near Pittsburgh and Cleveland to the vineyards outside San Francisco to the rural areas of east Texas and the Great Plains. Once-booming housing areas, such as retirement communities in Florida, have not been immune. To read more of the article, go to http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory?id=12969273 . To read the abstract in Rural Sociology, visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1549-0831.2010.00036.x/abstract.
4 March 2011
Grocery Stores and Food Access in Rural America
"Grocery Stores and Food Access in Rural America" is the title of an article in the February issue of the Center for Rural America's February newsletter. The author states that "local ownership of a grocery is critical from several perspectives. Economically, food dollars spent at any locally-owned business continue to circulate within the community as the grocer spends money at other local businesses." To read the article, go to http://www.cfra.org/node/3184.
4 March 2011
Balancing Affordability and Opportunity
Brett Theodos, research associate at The Urban Institute, co-authored a new report that highlights seven shared equity homeownership programs across the country and how they preserve affordability and provide asset-building opportunities. Balancing Affordability and Opportunity: An Evaluation of Affordable Homeownership Programs with Long-term Affordability Controls can be downloaded from http://www.urban.org/UploadedPDF/412244-balancing-affordabiliity.pdf.
4 March 2011
AMBER WAVES, March 2011
Amber Waves presents the broad scope of ERS's research and analysis. The magazine covers the economics of agriculture, food and nutrition, the food industry, trade, rural America, and farm-related environmental topics. Available on the Internet and in print, Amber Waves is issued in print four times a year (March, June, September, and December). The Internet edition, or "eZine,"includes links to web-only resources, such as podcasts and additional articles.
View the March edition online:
» http://www.ers.usda.gov/AmberWaves/March11
23 February 2011
Grants for Rural Development in Decline
by Rick Cohen
While foundation giving increased more than 40% from 2004-2008, grants to rural development declined. Rick Cohen sees a "metronation" bias in U.S. philanthropy.
Read the full story.
14 February 2011
Idaho Non-Profit Makes a Go of Public Transit
by Laura Tillman
Big distances plus small populations equal transportation predicaments for residents in many rural towns. A non-profit group in Twin Falls, Idaho, is working out a solution.
Read the full story.
11 February 2011
New Publications from Wealth Creation in Rural Communities
What do we mean by "community wealth" and how would we know it if we saw it? In Measuring Community Wealth, real world data from Appalachian Kentucky is used to illustrate how examples of six forms of wealth (individual, intellectual, natural, built, social, and financial) can be measured. From power plants to patents, local food to locally owned broadband, each section highlights opportunities to increase the stock of wealth in Kentucky counties. For a more in-depth understanding of how multiple types of capital were assessed for this paper, Measuring Community Wealth: Appendices provides detailed analysis of the data from Appalachian Kentucky.
11 February 2011
A Child's Cup: The Rural Recession
by Timothy Collins
The effects of the recession will be long-term, especially if we don't act now to shore up the most vulnerable citizens: low-income rural children.
Read the full story.
9 February 2011
Aroostook County Trails into the Future
Can "life-style" revitalize a rural county? Outdoor enthusiasts in Northern Maine are skiing a path of experimentation in community development.
Read the full story.
4 February 2011
Preschool Produces Long-Term Economic Payoff
NIH-funded analysis of Chicago program shows lifetime economic benefits exceed initial costs
An early education program for children from low-income families is estimated to generate $4 to $11 of economic benefits over a child's lifetime for every dollar spent initially on the program, according to a cost-benefit analysis funded by the National Institutes of Health.
Full NIH News Release of Feb 4, 2011 @ http://www.nih.gov/news/health/feb2011/nichd-04.htm
24 January 2011
Government Aims to Help Low-Income Taxpayers
Government aims to help low-income taxpayers get tax refunds efficiently with prepaid debit cards.
BY Phyllis Furman
DAILY NEWS BUSINESS WRITER
Monday, January 17th 2011, 4:00 AM
Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/money/2011/01/17/2011-01-17_government_aims ...
12 January 2011
Carnegie Recognizes MSU Excellence
MSU has earned national recognition for its breadth and depth of community engagement from the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. From bringing clean water to Kenya, to students volunteering in Montana communities, MSU's students, faculty and staff strive to make the world a better place.
Read the full article online: http://www.montana.edu/cpa/news/nwview.php?article=9336
1 December 2010
Rural Community Conference 2011
The dates for the 2011 Rural Community Conference have been announced. The conference will be held from September 13th through September 15th, 2011. The following is from the Rural Dynamics website:
RDI is proud to announce the date for the 2011 Mobilizing Rural Communities Conference in Great Falls, Montana. National and regional speakers will share ways to build strong communities through innovative approaches and best practices. Mark your calendar and watch for more to come.
By attending the 2011 Mobilizing Rural Communities Conference you will not only have your voice heard by a community of professionals passionate about the current opportunities and challenges facing our rural communities, but you will also lend your voice to the unheard and voiceless on a national scale as we work together to create a rural communities movement. By working together in collaboration and sharing innovations and best practices, you will bring cutting-edge approaches to service back to your community.
For more information, visit the Rural Dynamics website at: http://www.ruraldynamics.org/welcome
HORIZONS REPORTS
Report:
Natural Decrease in America: More Coffins than Cradles
University of New Hampshire Carsey Institute
by Kenneth M. Johnson
June 14, 2011
Issue Brief #17, Fall 2010
Carsey Institute, University of New Hampshire
Full article in PDF format:
» http://carseyinstitute.unh.edu/publications/IB-Mattingly-childpoverty10.pdf
Report:
USDA Farmers Market Application
"Today we're pleased to announce a new mapping feature on the USDA National Farmers Market Directory. This feature allows you to pull up state-by-state maps of farmers markets listed in the USDA National Farmers Market Directory and zoom in to see detailed location. Information about farmers markets is easily accessed via convenient hotlinks right from the map. The Directory is also searchable by state, county, zip code and participation in federal nutrition assistance programs, such as the Women, Infants and Children program or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Results from the USDA National Farmers Market Directory are based on voluntary reporting from farmers market managers."
Full article online:
» http://blogs.usda.gov/2010/11/16/we-built-the-dataset-and-map-now-you-can-d ...
Report:
The Two Faces of Rural Population Loss Through Outmigration
Nearly half of the Nation's nonmetropolitan counties lost poplation through net outmigration between 1988 and 2008, but the underlying causes and potential policy solutions vary widely.
Amber Waves, Volume 8; Issue 4, December 2010
Population loss is endemic to many rural areas. Nearly half of the Nation's 2,050 nonmetropolitan counties lost population through net outmigration between 1988 and 2008; for over 700 counties, this loss exceeded 10 percent. In counties with a long history of high outmigration, the loss is often exacerbated by "natural decrease," an excess of deaths over births due to an aged population. Rural depopulation is a continuing concern in the rural policy community, and repopulating rural communities is one of the goals of USDA's Strategic Plan for 2010-2015.
Full article online:
» http://www.ers.usda.gov/AmberWaves/december10/Features/RuralPopulation.htm
Full article in PDF format:
» http://www.ers.usda.gov/AmberWaves/december10/PDF/RuralPopulation.pdf
December issue of Amber Waves:
» http://www.ers.usda.gov/
Report:
Strengthening Democracy, Increasing Opportunities: Impacts of Advocacy, Organizing and Civic Engagement in the Northwest Region
The Northwest Region is NCRP's fifth site in a series of reports from the Grantmaking for Community Impact Project. Strengthening Democracy, Increasing Opportunities: Impacts of Advocacy, Organizing and Civic Engagement in the Northwest Region looks at how 20 nonprofits and their allies helped improved their communities and amplified the voices of vulnerable residents in the democratic process through advocacy and community organizing efforts. These nonprofits leveraged foundation grants that generated a $150 return for every dollar invested in their policy engagement efforts.
Full article available on NCRP publications page:
» http://www.ncrp.org/publications
Report:
Rural Teens More Likely to Abuse Prescription Drugs
A study of national data suggests that teens in rural areas abuse prescription drugs at significantly higher rates than their urban and suburban counterparts, MedPage Today reported Nov. 1.
Researchers led by Jennifer Havens, Ph.D., of the University of Kentucky in Lexington, Ky., analyzed self-report data on 17,872 teens aged 12-17, collected in the 2008 National Survey on Drug Use and Health.
They reported that teens in rural areas were 26 percent more likely than urban adolescents to have abused prescription drugs at some point in their lives: 10.3 percent of urban teens reported lifetime misuse of prescription drugs, compared with 11.5 percent in suburban or small metropolitan-area counties, and 13.0 percent of rural teens.
Full article online:
» http://www.medpagetoday.com/Psychiatry/Addictions/23101
Report:
Montana Policy Review, Spring 2011 - Montana Horizons
"As co-editors of this issue of the Montana Policy review, we are very happy to bring you this special issue of the Montana Policy review titled, Montana Horizons: Program Outcomes and Policy Implications. After a long hiatus, in part because of the great effort we put into this state-wide program, it seems particularly pertinent to reintroduce our readers to the exciting outcomes and implications related to this work."
Good Things From Glendive: A Garden in Bruce's Valley
"GLENDIVE, Mont. " Bruce Smith is a giant of a fellow who wants you to think of the Yellowstone Valley of eastern Montana when you think of vegetables. The Dawson County Extension Service ag agent thinks eastern Montana and western North Dakota could benefit both financially and health-wise from eating more of what it can produce. The concept is worth considering. "In 2003, Montana spent $3 billion on food, and less than 10 percent of that was from Montana, yet we're an agricultural state. We're leaving $2.5 billion on the table. Yet we produce much of what they're making our food out of,"he says. "I'd like to see us get to 25 percent. That would add roughly $1 billion to Montana's economy." Recently, Smith acquired a grant to travel 16 counties in eastern Montana and 14 counties in western North Dakota, working to develop local food councils. Smith has an impressive food processing resume, so his logic is worth considering."
Full article online:
» http://www.agweek.com/event/article/id/17244/
Report:
Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City: Community Connections
Community Connections: Fall 2010.
Full article in PDF format:
» http://www.kansascityfed.org/publicat/community/connections/2010-11.pdf
Report:
Education in Chronically Poor Rural Areas Lags Across Generations
Survey results conclude that educational achievement varies significantly by type of place in rural America. In chronically poor rural areas, 45 percent of residents have completed only high school or less, compared with 22 to 33 percent in amenity-rich, amenity-transition, and declining resource-dependent rural areas. Although people from all types of rural communities generally have more education than their parents, those in chronically poor rural areas still have relatively low education levels " a disadvantage that persists across generations. This brief highlights the need to invest in the educational systems of chronically poor rural areas where generations of underinvestment have contributed to persistent poverty.
Carsey Institute Issue Brief No. 24
Full article in PDF format:
» http://www.carseyinstitute.unh.edu/publications/IB-Ulrich-Education-Poor-Ar ...
Report:
Eat Right Montana: FIT KIDS = HAPPY KIDS, February 2011 Newsletter
"Welcome to the second issue of Eat Right Montana's 2011 Campaign - FIT KIDS = HAPPY KIDS: Healthy Futures for Montanans. This is our thirteenth year of publishing Healthy Families newsletters and we are thrilled to focus on such important and timely topics. Check out the following fit kids = happy kids' articles for February 2011:
Media Release: Fit Kids = Happy Kids: School Breakfast - A Kick-Start for Academic Success
Family Nutrition: Plan. Eat. Enjoy: Breakfast on-the-GO
February Recipe: Hellgate School Breakfast Bites
Family Fitness: Plan. Play. Enjoy: Fun Indoor Activities for Winter Days
Research for Real Life: Read. Change. Enjoy: Talking to Children about Weight"
County Health Rankings - Mobilizing Action Toward Community Health
This website provides county health rankings for each state. The current information will be updated in March 2011. The website has three drop-down menus: Health Factors; Health Outcomes; and, Take Action. Health factors include: health behaviors; clinical care; social and economic factors; and, physical environment. Health outcomes are measured by two parameters: how long people live (mortality) and how healthy people feel (morbidity).
Full resource online:
» http://www.countyhealthrankings.org/
Report:
Community Capitals Impact Assessment Approach
"This page includes resources, calendar items, publications and archives related to the Community Capitals Framework (CCF). Both the Center and a number of our partners now use the CCF to map strategies and impact and in our evaluation, research, and outreach efforts."
Full article in PDF format:
» http://www.soc.iastate.edu/staff/cflora/ncrcrd/capitals.html
Report:
Case Studies on Transit and Livable Communities in Rural and Small Town America
LIVABILITY CASE STUDIES Huron, South Dakota Menominee Reservation, Wisconsin Cache Valley, Utah Laconia, New Hampshire Davidson, North Carolina Breckenridge, Colorado Meridian, Mississippi Lancaster, Pennsylvania State of North Dakota State of Wyoming McCall, Idaho Taos, New Mexico
Assembled by Sean Barry of Transportation for America.
Full article in PDF format:
» http://t4america.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/Livability-Transit-Rural-Ca ...
Report:
2011 Poverty Guidelines
On January 20, HHS released the 2011 Poverty Guidelines as well as an explanation of the methodology used to determine the designated amounts. The updated Poverty Guidelines were adjusted due to increases in the Consumer Price Index (inflation) between calendar years 2009 and 2010. The Poverty Guidelines are important as they are used as a factor in determining eligibility for a number of federal programs, such as the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), Medicaid, family planning services, AIDS Drug Assistance Program, and Migrant Health Centers.
Full 2011 Poverty Guidelines online:
» http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=onx6bddab&et=1104359129857&s=2021&e=001fVx_8j ...
Full Federal Register Notice in PDF format:
» http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=onx6bddab&et=1104359129857&s=2021&e=001fVx_8j ...
Report:
2010 Report to the Secretary: Rural Health and Human Services Issues
"The 2010 Report to the Secretary is the culmination of a year of collective effort by the National Advisory Committee on Rural Health and Human Services (NACRHHS). I would like to thank each of the Committee members for their hard work and acknowledge the subcommittee chairs of each of the three chapters: Todd Linden, Health Care Provider Integration; Maggie Blackburn, Rural Primary Care Provider Workforce; and Donna Harvey, Home and Community Based Care for Rural Seniors. Meghana Desale, Jenna Kennedy, Laura Merritt, and Kai Smith, Truman Fellows with the Office of Rural Health Policy (ORHP) at the Health
Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), provided research support and assistance in drafting key sections of the final report. Beth Blevins edited the report."
Full article in PDF format:
» http://ruralcommittee.hrsa.gov/publications/2010NACReportFinalNEW.pdf
Partnerships for the Common Good - A Partnership Guide for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Organizations
The Partnership Center has produced various tool kits and fact sheets covering a variety of topics to enhance the work of faith-based and community organizations. A new resource entitled "Partnerships for the Common Good - A Partnership Guide for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Organizations" is available electronically. The guide is designed to give local faith and community leaders a menu of opportunities to partner to improve the health and well-being of local communities.
» http://www.hhs.gov/partnerships/resources/partnerships_toolkit_2.pdf
Toolkit:
Community Wind: Once Again Pushing the Envelope of Project Finance
This January 2011 guide was funded by the US Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy and focuses on issues related to the funding of community wind systems, including several alternative financing options.
"This report describes each of these innovative new financing structures in some detail, using a case-study approach. The purpose is twofold: (1) to disseminate useful information on these new financial structures, most of which are widely replicable; and (2) to highlight the recent policy changes - many of them temporary unless extended - that have facilitated this innovation.
Although the community wind market is currently only a small sub-sector of the U.S. wind market - as defined here, less than 2% of the overall market at the end of 2009 - its small size belies its relevance to the broader market. As such, the information provided in this report has relevance beyond its direct application to the community wind sector.
The next two sections of this report briefly summarize how most community wind projects in the U.S. have been financed historically (i.e., prior to this latest wave of innovation) and describe the recent federal policy changes that have enabled a new wave of financial innovation to occur, respectively. Section 4 contains brief case studies of how each of the five projects mentioned above were financed, noting the financial significance of each. Finally, Section 5 concludes by distilling a number of general observations or pertinent lessons learned from the experiences of these five projects."
View in PDF format:
» http://eetd.lbl.gov/EA/EMP/reports/lbnl-4193e.pdf
Toolkit:
Heart & Soul Community Planning Handbook
2011 Handbook by the Orton Family Foundation:
"We recognize that Heart & Soul Community Planning can only be as successful as the communities that pursue it. We designed this Handbook to help you unlock the potential in your town, and to share what we've learned from our partner project towns thus far."
For more information:
» http://www.orton.org/resources/hs_handbook
Toolkit:
The Solarize Guidebook: A Community Guide to Collective Purchasing of Res. PV Systems
This 28-page January 2011 guide was also developed for the US Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Lab. It "is intended as a road map for project planners and solar advocates who want to convert "interest" into "action," to break through market barriers and permanently transform the market for residential solar installations in their communities. It describes the key elements of the Solarize campaigns in Portland, [OR] and offers several program refinements from projects beyond Portland. The guidebook provides lessons, considerations, and step-by-step plans for project organizers to replicate the success of Solarize Portland."
View in PDF format:
» http://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy11osti/50440.pdf
Toolkit:
Guide to Community Solar
This 56-page guide prepared for the National Renewable Energy Lab of the US Department of Energy was published in November 2010. "This guide is designed as a resource for those who want to develop community solar projects, from community organizers or solar energy advocates to government officials or utility managers. By exploring the range of incentives and policies while providing examples of operational community solar projects, this guide will help communities to plan and implement successful local energy projects. In addition, by highlighting some of the policy best practices, this guide suggests changes in the regulatory landscape that could significantly boost community solar installations across the country.
The information in this guide is organized around three sponsorship models: utility-sponsored projects, projects sponsored by special purpose entities - businesses formed for the purpose of producing community solar power, and non-profit sponsored projects. The guide addresses issues common to all project models, as well as issues unique to each model.
The guide begins with examples of the three project sponsorship models, discussing the legal and financial implications of each model. This is followed by a discussion of some state policies that encourage community solar - ways for multiple individuals to share in the benefits of a single solar installation. The guide then reviews some of the tax and financing issues that impact community solar projects. While the guide cannot offer legal or tax advice, the authors hope to provide an outline of the legal hurdles and pitfalls that every project organizer should consider. Finally, the "Getting Started" section provides readers with practical tools and tips for planning their own project. The Appendices provide a more detailed comparison of business structures suitable for special purpose entities pursuing solar projects and the Interstate Renewable Energy Council's Model Community Renewables Program Rules."
View in PDF format:
» http://solaramericacommunities.energy.gov/pdfs/A_Guide_to_Community_Solar.pdf
Toolkit:
Solar Powering Your Community: A Guide for Local Governments
The 172-page Second Edition of this guidebook will be useful to local governments interested in advancing solar energy in their communities. Solar Power Your Community can be downloaded directly in PDF format from http://tinyurl.com/4vfuv2j
"The U.S. Department of Energy developed this comprehensive resource to assist local governments and stakeholders in building sustainable local solar markets. This second edition of the guide was updated to include new market developments and innovations for advancing local solar markets that have emerged since the first edition was released in 2009. This updated edition also contains the most recent lessons and successes from the original 25 Solar America Cities and other communities promoting solar energy. The guide introduces a range of policy and program options that have been successfully field tested in cities and counties around the country. The guide describes each policy or program, followed by more information on:
Benefits: Identifies benefits from implementing the policy or program.
Implementation Tips and Options: Outlines various tips and options for designing and implementing the policy or program.
Examples: Highlights experiences from communities that have successfully implemented the policy or program.
Additional References and Resources: Lists additional reports, references, and tools that offer more information on the topic, where applicable.
This guide can help stimulate ideas or provide a framework for a comprehensive solar plan for a community. DOE recognizes that there is no one path to solar market development. This guide therefore introduces a range of policy and program options that can help a community build a local solar infrastructure. Communities can tailor their approach to fit their particular needs and market barriers."
For more information:
» http://solaramericacommunities.energy.gov/resources/guide_for_local_governments
Toolkit:
Field Guide to Community Coaching
A new planning tool to help groups rebuild and revitalize communities has been released. The Field Guide to Community Coaching is now available as a free "e-book" from www.communitycoaching.com. You can download a copy of this colorful, 108-page guide to concepts, tools, and examples of coaching that supports individuals, coalitions, groups, and institutions engaged in shaping and sustaining community change. The book describes the art and craft of coaching in complex community contexts. It incorporates examples from rural and urban settings along with tips and tales from over a dozen experienced practitioners. The Guide was developed by Mary Emery, PhD., Ken Hubbell, and Becky Miles-Polka with support from the W. K. Kellogg, Annie E. Casey, and Northwest Area foundations, and the Kellogg Action Lab at Fieldstone Alliance.
"With President Obama's budget outlining new funding for community planning leading to sustainable development," noted Dr. Emery, "the Field Guide's tips and tools provide immediate resources that groups can use to spark new ideas to energize their communities."
Co-author Ken Hubbell noted that the Field Guide is built upon successful practices of community coaching"an effective process that helps unlocks new ideas and supports local groups as they frame a roadmap to sustainability. "Community coaching is growing in popularity because of its promising results," Hubbell noted, "and because it supports the wisdom, creativity, and compassion that is ever-present, though sometimes overlooked, in communities."
Leading national groups have noted that the President's proposed planning and sustainability funding is particularly important in the context of today's challenging economic and fiscal climate. "The President's budget recognizes that investments in planning and creating communities of lasting value are the cornerstone of restoring economic growth and creating long-term competitiveness and prosperity," noted a recent post from the American Planning Association website (www.planning.org).
For more information about community coaching, please contact Dr. Mary Emery () or Ken Hubbell ().
Toolkit:
Ground Rules: A Legal Toolkit for Community Gardens
This toolkit features legal resources for establishing community gardens on vacant land owned by individuals or other private entities, as opposed to public land.
It describes the rights and responsibilities of the landowner, the sponsoring organization, and gardeners. The toolkit includes:
Model Community Garden Lease
(between a landowner and a sponsoring nonprofit)
Model Gardener's Agreement
(between the sponsoring nonprofit and an individual gardener)
Model Community Garden Rules
(outlining the way a garden will operate, and the gardener's privileges and responsibilities)
Two discussion checklists
(outlining points for the sponsor organization to cover when orienting new gardeners)
Download the toolkit:
» http://www.nplanonline.org/nplan/products/CommunityGardenToolkit
To request technical assistance with your community garden project:
» http://www.nplanonline.org/nplan/content/ask-nplan
Toolkit:
HOPA Mountain Youth Leaders in Service Guide 2010
A framework for asset-based youth-led service learning projects.
The Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP) and the Annie E. Casey Foundation (Centers for Working Families) have published a 60-page "Toolkit" (dated Jan 12, 2011).
View the document in PDF format:
» http://www.clasp.org/admin/site/publications/files/CWF_ALL.pdf
OTHER HORIZONS CONTENT
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About Horizons Montana
Horizons is a community leadership program aimed at reducing poverty in small rural and reservation communities (populations of fewer than 5,000 with greater than 10% poverty rate) faced with economic decline and demographic change. The program's goal is to help communities understand poverty, help them commit to action for improvements, and then bring about lasting change.
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Horizons Montana Communities List
H2 Communities
Anaconda
Big Timber
Boulder
Brockway
Circle
Columbus
Crow Agency
Culbertson
Forsyth
Glendive
Harlowton
Melstone
Roundup
Scobey
Sidney
Terry
White Sulphur Springs
Whitehall
Wibaux
Wolf Point
H3 Communities
Alberton
Belt
Choteau
Cut Bank
Darby
Ennis
Eureka
Geyser
Harlem
Malta
Sheridan
Stanford
Stevensville
Superior
Twin Bridges
Click Here to view H2 Communities Report.
Click Here to view H3 Communities Report.
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Horizons Montana Calendar 2010-2011
Year
Month
Event
2010
August
• Rural Community Conference, Bozeman, Montana. 29 of the 35 Horizons communities attended (8/31 – 9/1)
September
• Regional Webinar on Agri-tourism (9/28)
October
• Community Matters Conference attended by Anaconda, Forsyth, Glendive (10/5-8)
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