I've been involved in this project, the Horizons Steering Committee, since I first attended the Showcase put on by the University of Idaho last August.
My part in getting the project rolling wasn't that spectacular. I just took the words other people spoke about their perceptions and hopes of what good could result if we were accepted into this grant program, and put it into the final form for submission. We heard back within 48 hours. Anyone who has written grants knows that very unusual. But it's great getting immediate feedback.
Well, honestly, I realize I do accomplish a lot by encouraging people to speak and then claim responsibility for their ideas by acting on them. I also like to give voice to their concerns as I preach, teach and work with the church and the community. I enjoy seeing other people grow in their self-confidence and to see the fruits of their work.
Thursday night was the kick off of phase four with our Community Visioning Rally.
The threshold goal was to have 15% of the community participate which was a target of 170 people attending. We definitely met that.Free dinner certainly helped fill the room.
David Beurle was our facilitator. I could say so much about him. WOW. In the presentation he identified the ten characteristics of a successful rural community. The photo is the result of the communal voting on individual perceptions about the agreement (green) or disagreement (red) of the statement as an accurate description about our community.
The ten items where each listed on a one sheet (ten pages on the wall) and each voted as they viewed the community. We had 4 red and 4 green dots each to vote with.
What we all noted was the surprisingly high level of agreement on these issues.
THE top ten Attributes of Successful communities are:
1. Evidence of strong community pride and inclusive culture.
2. Invest in the future- built to last.
3. PArticipatory approach to community decision making.
4. Creatively build economic opportunities,
5. Support local businesses.
6. Deliberate transition of power to new leaders.
7. strong belief in and support for education.
8. Strong presence of traditional institutions that are integral to community life.
9. Willingness to seek help from the outside.
10. Communities are self- reliant.
What participants said about Ashton is said with the picture at top. (read pictures of charts left to right to correspond with Attribute 1-10 being present in the community).
By the end of the session, the group had named their preferred vision for the community.
By the way, thanks to members from Ashton Community UMC who came out for the rally:
Chan & Judy Atchley, Nancy & Rodger Williams, John & Joann Jorgensen, Pat Sturm, Marion Rice, Jane and Claude Daniels.
