From the very beginning of the planning stages, Lester Prairie, the host for session 7 in March, was difficult. Challenges seemed to be around every bend, and the process of finding the right pieces to fall in together was less than smooth. Navigating conflict in Lester Prairie seemed to be necessary to put together a program day that focused on the community. For starters, the daychairs, who help plan the day, were volunteers as the previous …
Uncategorized
Living in the Middle of Everywhere
Ben Winchester: Rewriting the Rural Narrative I am a glass-full kind of guy, especially when it comes to what is happening across our rural communities. The dominant narrative of doom, gloom, demise, and death is based largely on stereotypes or trends that happened to our towns over a half century (or more) ago. That is, our kids keep leaving, hollowing out our undesirable towns and leaving only graying residents to fend for themselves in the …
Bridging Generations in McLeod County
Session 5-- Glencoe GSL schools in Glencoe hosted the first program day of 2022. To start the day, Coborn's in Glencoe donated breakfast and coffee for the group to enjoy in the community room of GSL. Mark Larson, the city administrator for the city of Glencoe came and spoke about upcoming projects for the town. Mr. Larson is the first and only administrator for the city. He has served in this role for 32 years. Bridging Generations in McLeod …
Becoming a Welcoming and Inclusive Community
By definition, community means sharing characteristics, location, or some form of commonality that brings different people together. While many of us can claim different communities in one way or another, our towns and county are a big part of what brings us together. But what creates a welcoming and inclusive community? December 16th, 2021- Hutchinson, the Welcoming and Inclusive Community Remember when we had a thunderstorm, snow, and sleet …
Leading with Your Strengths
Brownton and Stewart, November 18th, 2021 Weaknesses are a hot topic for personal development. Build on your weaknesses so they are more aligned with your strongest skills. But what if the most efficient way to be the best version of yourself is actually to build on your strengths? Leading with your strengths focuses on this concept. The idea of growing your talents into strengths was the topic of McLeod For Tomorrow's third program day …
