Iowa State University Extension

Thank you to each of our Expanding Horizons Workshop Presenters. Several workshop participants asked that we add the presenter’s PowerPoint presentations to our website. Thank you to the following who provided their presentations so we can share them.

In addition, Linda Wilson and Janet Smith shared their detailed grant writing outline for your use.

Strengthening rural Iowa communities to create hope and possibility - 12/2009

Click here to discover how Iowa Horizons communities are addressing local needs.

Expanding Horizons Workshop - 11/2009

The Expanding Horizons Workshop: Growing Rural Family & Community Livelihood through Entrepreneurship was an opportunity for Horizons I, II and III communities and economic development groups serving them to come together to look for common interests, share successes, challenges and learn. Several Iowa resource people were available to help expand the horizons of attendees as they look for ways to reduce poverty in their community. Review Don Macke's presentations:

Recession Weary Iowans Taking Action to Reduce Poverty - 10/20/2009

As the recession takes another swing at Iowans in the form of 10 percent across-the-board state budget cuts, some in rural Iowa communities are taking action against poverty. They are participants in Horizons, a program delivered by Iowa State University Extension with funding from the Northwest Area Foundation of St. Paul.

Results of Leadership Plenty - Summer 2009

Building the leadership skills of a core group of community residents was the second phase of Horizons. Participants completed surveys before and after the series of classes to assess the outcomes of this intensive training. Review survey results...

Study Circles Outcomes - Spring 2009

Study Circles were the first phase of the Horizons program. Led by trained local facilitators, small groups discussed demographic characteristics of the poor in the community, causes of poverty, and community-based solutions. Participants completed surveys to assess knowledge and attitudes toward poverty before and after the Study Circle experience. See individual community outcomes...

Horizons Wins Awards - 10/27/08

ISU Extension program honored nationally for assistance to rural communities
AMES, Iowa – An Iowa State University Extension program to help lift residents of the state’s small towns out of poverty was recognized nationally for its effectiveness.

Iowa Horizons, an 18-month program, reached nearly 6,000 people in 20 communities ranging in population from 500 to 5,000, received the Excellence in Teamwork Award at the national Joint Council of Extension Professionals meeting held recently in Indianapolis. The program also was honored by the National Association of Community Development Extension Professionals at the same meeting. more...

Horizons Program Launches Citizen-Leaders in Iowa Communities - 08/05/08

From building a child care center to retaining a grocery store and mentoring youth, citizens in Horizons communities are making a difference with this leadership program. more...

Horizons Communities Taking Action - 7/17/08

Citizens of Horizons communities are taking action to address poverty and improve their communities for all. Read about the opening of the Elma Early Childhood Center or the formation of the Wayne County Housing Trust Fund. Each Horizon community has a compelling story to tell. Download these impact statements from all of the communities in one document or download individual community impact statements.