Connecting Communities over Shared Values

The goal of this Land Stewardship Project program is to change the way we think about issues in our communities, our state, and our nation. We will workshop identifying the problems that are affecting us, connect over our common values, and identify existing groups that share our goals. The idea is to find common ground with your neighbors and places where we can come together to move forward in areas of shared values.

The series of meetings will take place from January through May 2025 in selected towns throughout western Minnesota and led by LSP policy organizer James Kanne. If you are interested in hosting a meeting, contact James at jkanne@landstewardshipproject.org.

Upcoming Dates:

• Wednesday, February 19: 6 p.m.-7:30 p.m., Madison Mercantile, 601 1st Street, Madison, MN 56256. All are welcome!

Format:

Workshop participants will work together to answer the following questions about their local community.

1. What are the areas of concern in your personal life and your community?

Examples:
• Food insecurity/inflation
• Labor shortages/workforce challenges
• Housing prices/unavailability
• Lack of local control

2. How can I personally address those concerns in my community or with the help of my neighbors?

Examples:
• Expanding local options for food and food processing
• Expanding workforce internships for area youth
• Assisting local communities in finding grant programs for new rural housing
• Volunteering for get-out-to-vote campaigns for local elections

3. What existing community groups can help achieve these goals? What groups can we build up?

Examples:
• Local food co-ops or farmers’ market associations
• Local school programs or after-school activity groups
• Local economic development or civic leadership groups
• Local election boards