Northwest Minnesota residents with an idea to strengthen their community can now apply for partnership support from the University of Minnesota Extension Northwest Regional Sustainable Development Partnership (Northwest RSDP).
The Northwest RSDP supports local innovation by connecting community ideas to University of Minnesota resources in four focus areas: natural resources, clean energy, agriculture, and food systems, and resilient communities. Community members work on diverse project teams that research, design, and plan local sustainability projects with university students, faculty, and staff.
Northwest RSDP seeks ideas from community members, especially those who have not previously partnered with the University. In 2022, Northwest RSDP will prioritize projects in RSDP’s focus areas that advance sustainable community development; engage historically underrepresented communities; further resilience in food and energy systems; promote climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies, and create a positive narrative for rural communities.
“Community members know best how to make changes toward stronger social connections, valuing nature and fostering a home-grown economy. We’re excited to hear what comes next for your community, and share with you how the RSDP can help,” said Northwest RSDP Executive Director Linda Kingery. “I encourage people to get in touch with me to talk about their ideas for making our communities more sustainable places.”
Project ideas are being accepted through February 14 and can be submitted online at z.umn.edu/RSDPIdeaBrief. Community members are encouraged to contact Kingery at kinge002@umn.edu or 218-281-8697 to discuss their ideas and ask any questions. Successful projects are selected by the Northwest RSDP community-University governing board through a competitive process.
Examples of projects recently supported by the Northwest RSDP include working with the nonprofit 100 Rural Women to build women’s leadership networks across the region, a study of the feasibility of a regional electric vehicle car-sharing program, partnering with White Earth Tribal Community College and the Rural Renewable Energy Alliance (RREAL) to add pollinators to a community solar project, and research on affordable housing needs and opportunities in the region. For more examples of projects supported by the Northwest RSDP, visit z.umn.edu/RSDPProjectExamples.
