The Northern Plains Initiative |
The Northern Plains Planning Region consists of Montana, the western portions of North and South Dakota, and the northern portion of Wyoming. This contiguous area is geographically and economically uniform and contains wide expanses of space dotted with small population areas. The counties contained within the region are considered frontier counties. Nineteen reservation communities are found within the area’s most persistent poverty counties. The 115 counties in the target area are economically weak, contain disadvantaged populations, offer extreme rural isolation, and are densely Native American. Individuals in these communities are overwhelmingly place bound.
A coalition of community organizations and governmental agencies working together will create a long-range plan for economic equity for rural communities and their residents. It is our belief that the coalition must focus on bringing together strategically connected community leaders with the key tribal, federal, and state officials to develop and implement policy. A priority will be to foster collaborations so that new venues for conversation and action can take place. We are using a World Café Model to begin building quality relationships. We will involve elected officials and governmental change agents early on, so that planning occurs at all levels. This process will guide CCCS of Montana and its partners in developing programs to create positive change for the residents of the Northern Plains and their communities
The long-term impact of this planning process will be the development and implementation of a variety of interrelating strategies that will provide opportunities for residents of the planning region to become and remain economically independent and achieve their community vision. Through the collaborative efforts of local, state, tribal, and national stakeholders, the planning project will identify the assets and constraints individuals may face if trying to achieve economic independence. Plains Talk will create a multi-year vision, develop broad policy and strategic directions, and establish policy teams. The planning team will tour the planning region and RDI/CCCS will supply the leadership to bring the movers and shakers of each community to the table. Plains Talk will bridge communities, Indian and White, rural and frontier. The process will develop both regional and local strategies that are sustainable and inclusive.
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