Horizons Making a Difference

Even though North Dakota is enjoying a healthy economy, an estimated 11.5 percent of its residents have been living in poverty.

To address difficult issues rural communities face, such as poverty, a declining economy and population loss, the NDSU Extension Service partnered with St. Paul, Minn.-based Northwest Area Foundation to provide education, coaching and activities to broaden the communities’ leadership base through a program called Horizons.

It’s an 18-month program that helps communities explore residents’ perceptions about poverty, build strong community leadership and take action on issues affecting the community.

From 2003 to 2010, 46 rural North Dakota communities were involved in the program.

Here is some of what communities have accomplished:

• Acquired more than $2.4 million in grants, gifts and loans
• Expanded tourism in 13 communities
• Converted three closed rural schools into businesses, lodges, fitness centers and incubators for new enterprises
• Started buy-local campaigns
• Developed community gardens and farmers markets
• Started welcome programs to help engage newcomers quickly
• Gained transportation systems
• Formed partnerships with agencies, organizations and other communities

In addition, five communities are participating in arts and heritage programs, new people are running for public office, mayors are appointing youth to committees, more volunteers are doing community work, and a youth council started in rural areas is sharing its expertise with larger urban areas.