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).
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 2021, Northwest RSDP will prioritize projects that engage historically underrepresented communities; promote resilience in the food system; advance sustainable community economic development; reduce energy burden through energy efficiency; assist local organizations in adapting to the impacts of the pandemic, and promote climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies in the Red River Basin.
“We are looking forward to hearing your ideas for a stronger and more vital community. The Northwest RSDP is eager to hear about the work you are doing, the dreams you are reaching for, and how we can help you realize them. We’re here to talk about your idea and to help you with the application,” said Northwest RSDP Executive Director Linda Kingery.
RSDP Executive Committee member Rumbidzai Masawi, a community volunteer, also encouraged individuals and organizations that are working to strengthen their communities to consider partnering with RSDP. “RSDP honors the local wisdom in our towns and communities, and helps identify resources at the university that can support their vision,” Masawi said.
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 research and convenings to connect rural women, support for youth development programs to provide hands-on garden experiences during the pandemic, and research on policy options to adapt to significant growth in ice fishing on Lake of the Woods. For more examples of projects supported by the Northwest RSDP, visit z.umn.edu/RSDPProjectExamples.
