Anyone who wants economic development ought to begin by building cooperation and trust that forms the core of community. That's a recommendation from university research focused on understanding how citizens engage in practical ways to improve the place where they live.

Dr. Timothy Burkink, Interim Dean of Business & Technology and Marketing Professor, and Dr. John L. Anderson, Political Science Professor, from the University of Nebraska - Kearney carried out the research project. Here are their findings:

Friendliness. We found that just plain “friendliness” was important. Apparently, there is a good reason to wave at the person in the car/pickup coming at you down the highway. This small, habitual act suggests a level of trust and cooperation.

Civic Groups. Those good old-fashioned civic groups in town (Moose, Lions, Optimists, etc.) helped foster cooperation and trust. Interestingly, communities that had many civic groups also had higher levels of income. Cooperation breeds more cooperation, and it does it in ways that strengthen the economies of communities. Towns with high levels of trust among the people also had more people who shopped in town, even if a number of residents commute out of town to work.

Talk. Towns that were more prosperous than other towns had people who engaged in certain kinds of talk. Talk in prosperous towns was pragmatic, with most people expressing an interest in what could be done and how to solve problems. In less prosperous towns, people tended to talk about personal problems they had experienced (sometimes even about problems their parents and grandparents had experienced) with others. In the less prosperous towns, the talk among people suggested that little would change and that maybe others should just let the town be (or die).

Informal Mentoring. We also heard active citizens in one town talk about making others successful. It was understood that success often led to continued engagement in the community. Older hands made it their duty to insure the success of new volunteers when undertaking community projects.

Recommendations. Anyone who wants economic development ought to begin by building cooperation and trust that forms the core of community. Community developers should focus on building groups and starting projects, changing the talk toward pragmatic expressions, and help active citizens be successful. If all else fails, keep waving at others and remember that the true quality of friendliness is the foundation of a good life.

Contact: Kathie Starkweather, kathies@cfra.org or 402.438.8496 for more information.