RURAL REFLECTIONS CONFERENCE

From Horizons

Ann Fackenthall, Tienne Rogers, Sandy Wakefield, Diane Ogle, Jim Hayes & Ron Crigger attended the Rural Reflections Conference in Moses Lake, WA March 19 & 20th. The conference was the first gathering of all 40 Horizons Communities from WA State who have participated in the Horizons Program since 2004.

The conference was an opportunity to learn from each other, share our successes and celebrate together. The first evening began with keynote speaker, Mario Villanueva, USDA Rural Development Director. There was then a celebration of the inspiring ways in which the 40 Horizons Communities have re-opened lines of communication, assessed the causes of poverty, and identified and implemented strategies that are boosting community pride, addressing local issues, and leading to economic improvements.

The second day was filled with over 40 workshops within 3 categories; Asset Development, Public Policy and Community Leadership/Capacity Building.

Thank you to WSU Extension Horizons, WA State Department of Commerce and the NW Area Foundation for their partnership in supporting rural Washington State!