Malta and Phillips County, MT are participating in a series of 3 statewide virtual gatherings for rural communities across Montana to come together to have a conversation focused on building a positive future for our small towns.
On behalf of Malta and Phillips County, the PhillCo Economic Growth Council applied for, and was one of twenty-five (25) communities accepted to participate in a series of virtual statewide gatherings called Reimagining Rural. This series is designed to bring people together who are passionate about creating vibrant, robust rural places, growing local capacity and who are eager to learn, connect and lead local change.
Each session includes a speaker followed with a guided local discussion centered on developing and incorporating fresh ideas in our communities. Session details include:
- September 15th features Ben Winchester of the University of Minnesota Extension Center for Community Vitality. Ben will share his “brain gain” research that counters negativity common in current discussions of rural communities.
- September 29th features Deb Brown and Becky McCray, cofounders of Save Your Town. They will kick-off session two with an invigorating interactive discussion on becoming an “idea friendly” community. Becky and Deb are small town natives and passionate about the future of rural.
- October 13th features a follow up, Q & A and discussion session with all presenters to explore ideas for potential projects in our communities.
Project Partners
Recognizing the importance of our small towns across Montana, the Reimagining Rural Initiative represents a unique collaboration of statewide organizations whose work focuses on rural development. MSU Extension, Montana Community Foundation, the Burton K. Wheeler Center, and the Montana Governor’s Office on Rural Development have joined forces to focus on building Montana’s rural communities. Original funding came from an MSU Outreach and Engagement Council grant
Meeting Details
Sessions are set for September 15th and 29th and October 13th, from 6-8 PM. Community members interested in joining this great statewide discussion can participate by joining the Phillips County Economic Growth Council) at the Phillips County Library Basement Meeting Room. For more information or to RSVP (space is limited) contact Pam Smith Wolsey at phillco@itstriangle.com or 654-5525.