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We tried that before and it didn’t work!
We tried it once. Does that mean we can never try it again? Photo by Becky McCray. Guest Post by Paula Jensen When was the last time you heard someone say, “We tried that before and it didn’t work!”...
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Getting people to mix at an event
A little trick to keep people mixing at any event, indoors or out. It works as long as there’s food! Holding an event and want to get people to mix across some divide? Put the drinks and plates on...
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How $5 and a bowl of soup can rebuild your community
Five businesses and community groups pitched ideas at the first “Food for Thought” event put on by Main Street Enid, Oklahoma. Photo by Becky McCray. Have you heard of “soup” events? People pay a...
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What are your challenges? Add your voice here
What are the challenges in your rural place or small town? We’d like to know! Photo by Becky McCray. Every small town has its own set of assets, issues and opportunities, but many of us share common...
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What’s the Life Expectancy of Our Community?
Is there any good news about small towns? Do small towns have a future for our young people? Photo of youth at Eagle Butte, South Dakota via USDA Guest post by Paula Jensen I remember in 1997, just...
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Chain link is everywhere in downtowns. Here’s how to dress it up.
Castle Rock, Washington, takes beautification seriously. This storage lot sits smack dab in the middle of their beautiful downtown. This is how it looked before they turned it into an art gallery....
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Youth business idea: phone clinics
Easy summer business for teens: helping seniors with their cell phones. Looking for the perfect instant summer business idea for young entrepreneurs? Try phone clinics. I saw this idea pop-up in a...
View ArticleWishing vs. Hoping your town will improve
Is there a distinction between wishing and hoping? Wishing is feeling or expressing a strong desire for something that is not easily attainable. It’s like wishing to win the lottery but you don’t buy a...
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Culture is the intersection of people and place
The culture of Alva, Oklahoma, comes from the people who live here influenced by the characteristics of this place. Photo by Becky McCray Lots of small towns have a good handle on the importance of...
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Why does nothing ever get done in this town!
How can elected officials and board members be more open to new ideas and more effective? Photo by City of Bryan, Texas. By Paula Jensen Having a passion for rural community development and...
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