Fall 2009 Valerie’s Corner

A Shift in Focus 

Dear Alumni:

When the Community Leader editorial team met in the spring to discuss content for upcoming editions, there was quickly consensus that our alumni were facing extraordinary challenges as community leaders.

What began as recession in 2008 has deteriorated into economic crisis. We readily see the impact in our rural communities, many of which are facing double-digit unemployment and a strained safety net system.

As we contemplated the current economic climate, our team concluded a shift in editorial focus was warranted. Previously, we were methodically moving through the Eight Dimensions of Healthy Community and each edition of Community Leader featured a different dimension as a focal point.

After our late spring meeting, we determined that, moving forward, we could best serve our alumni by taking on some of the issues we face in these extraordinary times in the pages (and online) of Community Leader.

In this edition, Blandin Foundation Board of Trustees Chair Marian Barcus writes our cover story. She acknowledges the economic challenges that lie ahead but also points out that in times of crisis, there are distinct advantages rural leaders possess.

A companion piece to our cover story is an historical perspective on the Foundation’s leadership programming, which itself was launched in response to economic crisis in the early 1980s.

Our story on the Itasca Area Schools Collaborative illustrates how a number of rural school districts in northern Minnesota found ways to turn their leadership challenges into collective opportunities.

Finally, we feature an overview of the American Indian Alumni Gathering, which took place in Grand Rapids this May. At this event, American Indian leaders explored the role both adults and youth can play in future leadership endeavors.

We hope you find this edition of Community Leader useful in your own journey.

And,  as always, if you have comments on this edition or ideas for a future edition, Please Share Below.