Rural Indiana’s Approach to Community Development
Seven pillars and a novel attitude comprise Indiana’s rural development philosophy, the Rural Indiana Strategy for Excellence
In community development, many approaches make sense. It is not a one-size-fits-all proposition. The best rural community development sparks creative and innovative ways to bring rural people together for a common goal. Indiana is no exception.
The state has created what is known as the Rural Indiana Strategy for Excellence, or RISE. This is a 15-year plan that was created in July 2005. It is now being implemented as RISE 2020. The Indiana Rural Development Council, using the pillar approach, has created an inclusive and sensible framework that will lay a foundation for development.
RISE includes seven pillars, but clearly this strategy can be used successfully anywhere. The pillars are:
>> Create a regional framework – GO OUT OF BOUNDS.
>> Build civic leadership and engagement – REINVIGORATE LEADERS AND CITIZENS.
>> Apply Asset-Based Community Development – USE WHAT WE’VE GOT.
>> Construct a rural innovation culture through public and private entrepreneurship – INNOVATE.
>> Embrace diversity, access, and inclusiveness – INCLUDE EVERYONE.
>> Focus on youth engagement – INVOLVE YOUNG PEOPLE.
>> Encourage wealth creation and retention – BUILD AND KEEP WEALTH.
What I find the most interesting about this framework is that the state of Indiana gets it. They understand that rural community development is good for all of the state, both urban and rural. The foundational framework for RISE 2020 is not that different from other approaches we have outlined in the Center for Rural Affairs’ newsletter over the past four years.
Notice too that RISE 2020 is based on a framework, not a detailed plan. It doesn’t say what should be done and who should do it. It is a summary, not an exhaustive list. Nor does it contain every great idea that may be in the hearts and minds of rural community people. Everyone’s opinions are important, and those are what the framework depends upon.
All of us in rural America would do well to take a good look at Indiana and how RISE 2020 evolves. Their approach makes sense, and maybe we can learn from our Hoosier friends.
Contact: Michael L. Holton, michaellh@cfra.org or 402.687.2103 x 1020 for more information on rural community development.
In community development, many approaches make sense. It is not a one-size-fits-all proposition. The best rural community development sparks creative and innovative ways to bring rural people together for a common goal. Indiana is no exception.
The state has created what is known as the Rural Indiana Strategy for Excellence, or RISE. This is a 15-year plan that was created in July 2005. It is now being implemented as RISE 2020. The Indiana Rural Development Council, using the pillar approach, has created an inclusive and sensible framework that will lay a foundation for development.
RISE includes seven pillars, but clearly this strategy can be used successfully anywhere. The pillars are:
>> Create a regional framework – GO OUT OF BOUNDS.
>> Build civic leadership and engagement – REINVIGORATE LEADERS AND CITIZENS.
>> Apply Asset-Based Community Development – USE WHAT WE’VE GOT.
>> Construct a rural innovation culture through public and private entrepreneurship – INNOVATE.
>> Embrace diversity, access, and inclusiveness – INCLUDE EVERYONE.
>> Focus on youth engagement – INVOLVE YOUNG PEOPLE.
>> Encourage wealth creation and retention – BUILD AND KEEP WEALTH.
What I find the most interesting about this framework is that the state of Indiana gets it. They understand that rural community development is good for all of the state, both urban and rural. The foundational framework for RISE 2020 is not that different from other approaches we have outlined in the Center for Rural Affairs’ newsletter over the past four years.
Notice too that RISE 2020 is based on a framework, not a detailed plan. It doesn’t say what should be done and who should do it. It is a summary, not an exhaustive list. Nor does it contain every great idea that may be in the hearts and minds of rural community people. Everyone’s opinions are important, and those are what the framework depends upon.
All of us in rural America would do well to take a good look at Indiana and how RISE 2020 evolves. Their approach makes sense, and maybe we can learn from our Hoosier friends.
Contact: Michael L. Holton, michaellh@cfra.org or 402.687.2103 x 1020 for more information on rural community development.
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