• What is the Horizons Program?

    Horizons is a community leadership program aimed at reducing poverty in small rural communities faced with economic decline and demographic change.

    Horizons explore perceptions about and sources of poverty; it isn’t always just about lack of money.

    Horizons build stronger community leadership; leadership is as important as good roads, great schools and clean water.

    Horizons embrace the entire community; everyone is needed and everyone has something to give.

    For communities to thrive, everyone must thrive.  We want families to want to live here and thrive here.

  • Who funds it?

    The Northwest Area Foundation has contracted with Iowa State University Extension to provide the support for the program in Iowa.

    It also directs the two grants that come to communities during the program, totaling up to $10,000 to help them sustain their poverty reduction work.

  • What then is a Study Circle?

    Community conversation and action ideas focused on poverty.  This segment of the program requires 12 hours and the involvement of at least 30 people.  The goal is for the community to learn what poverty looks like and what they can do about it.  There are two community members who have been trained as facilitators for each group and the books used are provided. There is no cost to participate.  Child care and transportation can also be provided if needed.  The Study Circles will be groups of 10-12 people, all ages, as diverse as possible, and will meet for a 2 hour sessions for 6 weeks, finishing before Thanksgiving.

  • What is the Outcome?

    From the Study Circle conversations will come many practical ideas on how to reduce poverty and improve our quality of life in the Alden area.  At least one idea will become a plan of action for the community.  The community vision will focus on leadership growth and poverty reduction.

  • How can I participate? 

    Study Circles will meet on
    Wednesday afternoons at 1:30
    Thursday evenings at 7 pm
    Sunday afternoons at 4:30 p.m.

    Six, two hour sessions to complete the circle.  To sign up, call Marsha Roland at ph. 515-859-3902.


TRS 10/8/2008