[CircleUp] Call for Workshop Proposals

[Adrianne Brave Heart]

Rural Dynamics is looking for presentation proposals for their upcoming
conference in the following tracks:

 

Free Tax Preparation

IDA's

Policy

Programs

Systems Thinking

Communications

 

If you are interested in submitting a proposal, it can be done online at
www.ruraldynamics.org.  See conference info below:

 

Mobilizing Rural Communities: The Northern Plains Initiative Conference 

 

October 8 & 9, 2009

 

Pre-Conference, Asset Development Strategies through Individual
Development Accounts and Free Tax Assistanace Programs October 7, 2009 

 

Developing thriving and sustainable communities by sharing best
practices and unleashing the power of relationships.

 

Mobilizing Rural Communities: the Northern Plains Initiative Conference
is the next step in a multiple year investment from the W.K. Kellogg
Foundation in building economic equality across the Northern Plains
region (Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming). While our
region is vast and 'frontier' (392,689 square miles with 2,793,021
residents), the same ideals, dreams, hopes and values are shared over
coffee in hometown cafes and echoed during group discussions in large
conference rooms. We all want a region where people have the opportunity
to thrive in the community they choose where diversity is cherished, the
environment is respected, and where community pride leads to rooted
generations.

 

Building upon a series of community meetings and conversations across
the region beginning in 2006, the conference serves as a forum where
opportunities in rural communities are explored and strategies are
identified to achieve them. 

 

The conference is for those engaged in efforts to create economic equity
and build thriving communities. Participants will expand their knowledge
of how to use a systems approach for developing capacity at the local
community level, and the efficacy of building regional partnerships for
greater economic equality.

 

About the Participants

 

Mobilizing Rural Communities: The Northern Plains Initiative Conference
is for people who represent all facets of rural life in the Northern
Plains - community and economic development organizations, activists,
coalitions, associations, community service providers, policy makers,
government agencies, and funders. 

 

About the Conference

 

The shared vision of thriving rural communities in which our children
and grandchildren choose to live and are able to succeed doesn't stop at
borders, and our rural populations cannot accomplish this in isolation.
Mobilizing Rural Communities: the Northern Plains Initiative Conference
brings together community organizations that are critical to achieving
the vision. To facilitate and encourage generative dialogue and sharing
of best practices, the conference is set up around four tracks:

 

Policy The Legislative process substantially impacts life in rural
communities. Understanding legislative procedures, the effects of
policy, at the local, state and federal levels, and the power of civic
engagement and coalition building in effecting policy change in the
region

 

Programs Models that build on learning networks sharing best practices
have achieved success all of the country. Participants will share
examples and learn about tools that have significantly impacted
opportunities in rural communities

 

Communications Effective communication and learning to tell your story
develops grassroots coalitions and fosters successful relationships with
funders and stakeholders. Learn how to jump into the connected age and
utilize social marketing to build your organization and efforts.

 

Systems Thinking and Organizational Learning A framework that is based
on the belief that parts of a system are better understood by their
relationship to each other rather than in isolation. Learn about this
powerful approach to organizational sustainability and success and
explore ways to use shared vision and team learning to create the
community environment you envision.

 

How to Participate

The conference is an opportunity for people from diverse backgrounds to
unite for the common cause of advocating and implementing strategies
that will help build a strong and healthy region. We are currently
accepting applications from individuals and organizations interested in
sharing programs, activities and tools that will contribute to the body
of systems and resources for participants to take away and use in the
region. 

 

Submissions will be accepted until Friday, May 15, 2009. Conference
registration information will be available April 15, 2009 at
www.plainstalk.org. For more information contact Leah Noel at
lnoel at ruraldynamics.org or call (406) 454-5705.

 

Karen Heisler

Director of Asset Development

CCCS/Rural Dynamics Inc.

406-454-5707 or 406-799-7259

 

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