For the past several years change seems to be the only consistent item on the menu for Richland County. Energy development has brought many opportunities as well as challenges to the region. Meeting immediate needs and managing crisis after crisis, although necessary, it is not an effective long-term strategy.
Water, when left to flow unchecked will always find the path of least resistance. However, when effectively managed, with a simple goal in mind, an irrigator can expertly spread water across an entire field delivering needed moisture to a thirsty crop.
So how does this relate to Richland County? Rapid changes in any community, left unmanaged, will find the path of least resistance. So what should the people of Richland County do to manage the changes they face? How do community members create a future they want rather than a future of least resistance?
“It has been my experience that thriving rural communities have a culture of communication, deliberation and collaboration”, said Dan Clark, MSU Local Government Center Director. “Communities are complex and the issues they face are not easy, especially for communities facing rapid change”, Clark went on to say. “When citizens, civic organizations and local governments engage each other they can better leverage their collective energy and resources to create a future by design. Their work is intentional and deliberate.”
On March 18 and 19, people in Richland County and the region will have an opportunity to engage in a community conversation about its future and how to achieve it. Plan to participate in the 5th Annual Richland County Community-wide Conference. It will begin with an “open house” on Monday, March 18th at 5:00 pm with a free meal and end at 7:30 pm. It will begin again at 8:30am & continue until 3pm on Tuesday, March 19th with focused collaboration and learning. This will be an opportunity to work together as citizens, civic organizations and local government officials to address issues like housing, infrastructure, youth development, public safety, recreation and many other topics. For more information, contact Mary Friesz or Suzzanne Wright at the Richland County Health Department at 406-433-2207 or visit the Conference Facebook site at facebook.com/RichlandCCF.
Reader Comments(0)