Building rural leadership today that reduces poverty tomorrow

Extension mobilizes communities for poverty reduction

Horizons strengthens leadership and civic engagement in rural communities with the Horizons program. Eligible communities have populations up to 5,000 and have typically experienced decline in population, income and resources. Poverty rates in Horizons communities are typically 10% or more.

Horizons has been operating in Minnesota since 2003, through a partnership between Extension and the Northwest Area Foundation. Fourteen communities have been part of the Horizons program.

In 2008, Extension may be able to engage new eligible communities in Horizons program activities. With training and support from Extension staff, community leaders and residents will learn and plan together to address poverty.

Extension is the Minnesota delivery organization for Horizons, a 7-state initiative of The Northwest Area Foundation.

Currently, Horizons communities engage in four activities throughout the 18-month program:

• Study Circles bring small groups together in Horizons communities to engage in honest and informative discussion about poverty.
• LeadershipPlenty - develops the skills to motivate community members to take community action.
• Community visioning moves them from learning to action.
• As specific projects and goals are carried out, Extension tailors its programming to community needs. Read about Extension programs

Become a Horizons Community!

One hundred twenty-four (124) Minnesota communities fit the current criterion for Horizons programming. Benefits to the communities include an expansion in leadership, honest discussion about poverty and the opportunity to act. Read about the experiences of past Horizons communities.

Does my community qualify?

Look at the map to see if your community meets the current demographic criteria established by The Northwest Area Foundation. Click on your area of the state to see a list of qualifying communities.

Why should I become a Horizons community?

Some results described by more than 200 communities that have been involved in the Horizons communities across the country:

• More people contributing to community life.
• People coming out of the showers to try out leadership.
• A new ability to have hard conversations.
• New ideas for action that makes a difference.
• Skills and confidence throughout the community that turn vision to reality.

With renewed energy, communities get a new vision. Horizons makes a difference.

Contact Information

Monica Herrera Program Director, Horizons Office: 612-624-7649 Cell: 612-418-5597 herre066@umn.edu toll free: 1-866-407-4906