Clues to Rural Community Survival

The Heartland Center for Leadership Development has developed a list of 20 Clues to Rural Community Survival. They are: Evidence of community pride Emphasis on quality in business and community life Willingness to invest in the future Participatory approach to community decision making Cooperative community spirit Realistic appraisal of future opportunities Awareness of competitive positioning Knowledge of the physical environment Active economic development program Deliberate transition of power to a younger generation of leaders Celebration of diversity in leadership Strong belief in and support for education Problem solving approach to health care Strong multi-generational family orientation Strong presence of traditional institutions that are integral to community life Attention to sound and well-maintained infrastructure Careful use of fiscal resources Sophisticated use of technology resources Willingness to seek help from the outside Conviction that, in the long run, you have to do it yourself For more information on the Hearland Center, visit www.heartlandcenter.info