Minnewaukan is currently participating in the Horizon's Program which is an 18 month community leadership program aimed at reducing poverty in small rural and reservation communities faced with economic decline and demographic change.  The program is funded by the Northwest Area Foundation with technical support provided by NDSU- Extension Service.

During the course of the program, community volunteers will participate in 5 segments; Program Spotlight, Study Circles, Leadership Plenty, Community Visioning and Community Coaching and Action.

Horizon's Program Contacts:
ND Program Director: Lynette Flage, NDSU Extension
Regional Horizon's Coach: Gayle Gette, NDSU Extension
Local Contact: Claudette Carlson
Steering Committee: Lori Cline, Sherri Thompson, Lyndee Hesser, Ron Carlson, Claudette Carlson, Jo Dahlen
Study Circle Facilitators: Don Trnka, Karyn Neve, Andy Johnsrud, Sherri Thompson, Laura Every, Cynthia Lund & Claudette Carlson
Leadership Plenty Trainers: TBD
Bloggers: TBD
Community Photographers: TBD

PHASE I- PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT
During this phase, at least 5 community volunteers attended a spotlight event and learned about the program.  Those volunteers signed on additional volunteers willing to commit to the program and applied to be accepted.  Minnewaukan was selected to participate in the program.

PHASE II- STUDY CIRCLES
Study Circles were facilitated on October 1, 15, 29 & November 5, 2008.  During these sessions, facilitators captured the ideas of the volunteers as it relates to the community vision, community assets, things the community is already doing well and action ideas.

Three priority actions were identified and committees were formed;

• Ambulance/ First Responder
  Sharon (Chairperson), Myron, Bob, Claudette, Rita and Karyn
• Cell Phone Signal
  Laura (Chairperson), Deb, Don, Troy, Nolan, Karen and Gary
• Needed Services
  Lana (Chairperson), Lyndee, Cindy, Karyn, Jasmine, Deanna, Jennifer and Sherri

The first meeting of these committees will be held on December 3, 2008 at 5:30 PM at the Minnewaukan School.

Study Circle Notes:

Community Vision

• A community of value
• Population growth
• More babies
• Beautification
• Keep what assets we have
• Hospitable, secure, pride, recreation, respect and diverse

Community Assets

• School
• Location
• Tourism
• City Infrastructure
• Low Rental Housing
• County Seat/ Court House
• Organizations
• Churches
• Grocery Store
• Proximity to the lake
• States Attorney
• Social Services
• Community Club, 55 Club, Fire Department, American Legion & Auxillary
• Storage facilities
• Public Health Nurse
• USDA
• Bars, Massage, Library, Senior Citizens Center, local businesses
• Resorts
• Water
• Boat ramps, RV parks, Fish cleaning station, Lodging
• After school program

Things we are already doing well

• Meals on wheels
• Horizon's
• Beautification committee
• Fishtival
• Summer Fest
• Santa Claus Day
• Boat Ramps & Fish cleaning station
• Library
• Using the church for school
• School assisting with community
• 55 Club
• Community Club
• Joint efforts- cost sharing
• Support community businesses
• Education

Action Ideas:

• Buddy system for travel
• Recycling
• Earth Day clean up
• Cell phone service improvements
• Daytime restaurant
• Main Street improvements
• ATM
• Experience Works
• Needed Services- childcare, welcome group, youth activities, list of needs and volunteers
• Ambulance Service
• Community Center
• Fuel Cardtroll
• Go Green- swap facility, recycling, special garbage pick-up
• 1460 building elevation restriction
• Increase 55 Club membership- make meals available for community, flyer in water bill, publicize bus schedule
• Youth center activities- picnic at the lake, chess club, lego club, summer program volunteers
• Grant writing capabilities
• Wireless internet
• Speed limit enforced
• Labor force
• Day care
• City ordinance- pride, poverty, clean-up
• Clothes closet
• Community gatherings- fish fry, Lake Region Anglers
• Safety
• More local employment
• Food pantry
• Retired Senior Volunteer Program
• Bring back Minnie H
• Community gardens

The steering committee is seeking volunteer instructors for the Leadership Plenty Training.  Instructors are required to attend training in Carrington on November 17-19, 2008.  For more information contact Claudette Carlson.

"Thriving Communities" books are available at the Minnewaukan City Library for anyone interested in learning more about the program.