Iowa State University Extension

Problem:
Poverty in rural communities affects everyone. While some people may be working on ways to better a community, it takes the involvement of many people to foster significant and lasting change.

Response:
Bedford citizens aggressively embraced the Horizons Program delivered by ISU Extension with funding from the Northwest Area Foundation. The Horizons Program is a community leadership program designed to build thriving socioeconomic communities by turning ideas into action. Taking to heart the slogan, “ Bedford – Build Our Future ,” 45 people participated in 3 study circles led by 7 facilitators during January and February 2007. Over a five-week period, the groups discussed a variety of topics surrounding poverty and obstacles that prevent a community from thriving. The study circles developed a list of action items to address some of the issues and needs of the Bedford community. Then at a March public meeting community members prioritized the lists and identified items for action.

Impact:
Participants identified three items as having top priority for Bedford . Group #1 formed to investigate the possibility of merging the Bedford Area Economic Development (BAED) group with the Chamber/Main Street organization. This action group met with the board members of both BAED and Chamber/Main Street as well as Bedford 's City Council. The boards of both groups (BAED and Chamber/Main Street ) voted on a possible merger and the hiring of a single director for its programs. The vote indicated that a majority of the board members approved of this merger and hiring a full-time director. A six-member committee (4 from the study circle work group) developed a job description, interviewed and hired a new director. They continue working on details of the merger. The new director also happens to be a Horizons participant/study circle facilitator/LeadershipPlenty® facilitator!

Group #2 wanted to establish better information and communication flow within the community. They created promotional and informational pieces for the Bedford Community. They distributed a Believe in Bedford brochure (showcases what makes Bedford a great place to live and visit) at Bedford in Bloom on May 19. A complete city map was inserted in the brochure. A Business and Service Guide which provides easy reference to the businesses and services in Bedford was also distributed. All of these pieces will be available at the Horizons booth at the Taylor County Fair in July. This action group also put together 10 Welcome Baskets that include the information listed above, as well as donations from area businesses. The baskets will be hand delivered to any newcomer or family to Bedford as an invitation to be active, welcome members of the community. The work group has word of nine new people moving to the community so will be using up the baskets quickly.

Group #3 tackled the issue of developing more reliable high speed internet service within Bedford for both personal and business use. The group recognized that its goals are long term in nature and that their efforts will continue for an indefinite length of time. Currently, the group is in the research phase – gathering information and insight into modern technology. Two meetings have been held with experienced personnel outside of the Bedford area to develop a better idea of where the community's needs should be addressed.

Contact:
Donna K. Donald , Family Life Field Specialist
309 North Main, Leon , IA 50144
Phone: 641-446-4723 Fax: 641-446-6142
Email: ddonald@iastate.edu