Communities in Action Reimagines Itself for the Future

From January 30 – 31, steering committee members and volunteers in the Communities in Action program will attend a two-day workshop to strategize how the group can best serve Richland County in the future. The workshop is a part of a year-long effort by Communities in Action participants to reflect on the program’s impact and decide how it can be more efficient and effective.

Communities in Action has been meeting for over ten years with the goal of fostering more collaboration among Richland County’s nonprofit organizations, government agencies, businesses, and volunteer groups. Its mission is to increase the quality of life for all residents in Richland County. The program has helped improve many services in the county, including public transportation for the elderly, as well as promoting community projects – such as new pedestrian and bike paths.

Now that the program has over a decade of experience as a community coalition, the steering committee is taking the time to assess its impact and reimagine the program’s structure so it can better address future community challenges.

To do so, professional facilitators from the Local Government Center at Montana State University will guide participants through a two-day workshop that will focus on promoting innovation in the group and creating practical tools for action group members. The workshop is an opportunity for Communities in Action participants to decide how the program can best support their work and help make Richland County an even better place to live.

Unlike past years, this year’s workshop is targeted towards Communities in Action steering committee members and action group volunteers. The annual community conference, which is open to the public, will return in 2018.

Questions about the workshop on January 30 - 31 can be directed to Judy LaPan, co-chair of the Communities in Action steering committee, by email [email protected] or by phone 406-433-2207.