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How do we build trust in relationships so that we can make things happen? Read More »

Did you know that running errands on Election Day could help increase voter turnout? It might, if you’re wearing your “I Voted!” sticker. Read More »

OK, folks, roll up your sleeves: It’s time to dig into your democratic duty. North Dakota has five ballot measures this year; South Dakota has 10. (One additional measure, to allow corporate farming, was on the ballot in North Dakota’s primary in June. Voters rejected the measure.) You can find the exact text of the ballot measures, plus explanations by ... Read More »

Rural school districts face challenges from several directions when recruiting teachers. Baby boomers are retiring. Many small towns are losing population and vitality. Urban school districts often can pay more than rural districts. The education profession as a whole has become more of a pressure cooker with changing standards and more reporting requirements. All these and more factor into rural ... Read More »

Redfield, S.D., could be called a small city or a big town. It has features that are the best of both. “Main Street is a very interesting, fun place to go visit on a Saturday afternoon. You’ve still got those good, enjoyable family things and shopping” as in a larger community, according to Lisa Zens, executive director of Grow Spink, ... Read More »

Rural change-makers gathered in Aberdeen in July to connect and learn from one another at the RuralX Summit. Read More »

For democracy to work, voters have to be informed. One problem for citizens today is that it isn’t easy to navigate the vast sea of information available. With so many new sources for news, how can you tell what’s good information and what’s the work of shysters? Here’s our brief guide to learning this increasingly important skill called news literacy. Source: ... Read More »

TABOR, S.D. Czech Days For nearly 70 years, the community of Tabor, S.D., has celebrated its predominantly Czechoslovakian heritage around farmers’ schedules, with a Czech pioneer village, kolache baking, polka dance-off, and Czech Days queen, prince and princess pageants. The two-day festival benefits Tabor’s economy and sense of community. “Almost every resident has a part doing something, whether it’s working ... Read More »

When immigrants came to settle the prairie, they knew they were becoming Americans—but that did not mean they always gave up the customs they brought with them. Read More »

by Wendy Royston & Heidi Marttila-Losure When the celebration of a history or heritage is done well, it takes on a life of its own. “If you can find a way to really integrate those celebrations and festivals into your communities, and bring that there, you’re going to attract people from the outside,” said Brenna Gerhardt, executive director of the ... Read More »