Session 1 of 3 at the Glendive Chamber from 6pm-8pm
Glendive has been selected to participate in the 2022 Reimagining Rural Virtual Gathering that is
designed to bring some fresh ideas about how to create a vibrant future for rural communities across
Montana. It has been a challenging year and organizers hope to help local volunteers and leaders reset
and reimagine a bright future for their community by bringing them together to hear some positive
research and success stories about rural communities.
Reimagining Rural Virtual Gathering was created for local volunteers and leaders who are passionate
about creating vibrant, robust rural places, growing local capacity, learning about new ideas, connecting
with others and leading local change. “We are excited to bring these great stories about successful,
vibrant rural communities to small towns across the state” said Tara Mastel, Community Development
Program Leader for Montana State University Extension. “We will share new research about why
people are moving to rural Montana communities as well as inspiring and positive stories of successful
rural community projects. We hope it helps folks get excited about what is possible for their small
town.”
Reimagining Rural Virtual Gathering includes three statewide sessions, broadcast virtually to groups of
local leaders gathered in-person in rural communities across the state. Sessions begin with talks by rural
experts or local leaders of successful rural community projects. Following the talks, people gathered
locally will have the chance to discuss the ideas shared with the help of a local, trained facilitator.
The first night speaker, Tara Mastel of Montana State University Extension, will share Montana’s own
research on the rural “brain gain”, including who is moving to rural Montana communities and why.
The second night includes small-town experts Becky McCray and Deb Brown on their “Idea Friendly
Method” for getting things done in small towns without all the typical red tape. The final session will
feature a small-town Montana success story to inspire your community members to imagine what is
possible.
Reimagining Rural is made possible through support from MSU Extension and the Montana Community
Foundation. The event is hosted locally by the Glendive Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture and
Eastern Plains Economic Development Corporation.
The sessions are set for September 8th and 22 nd and October 6th. Each session will be held from 6-8 PM.
Community members interested in joining this great statewide discussion can participate by joining us at
the first session September 8 th at the Glendive Chamber, 808 N. Merrill Ave. For more information
contact Dara at cds@epedc.com or Terra at chamber@midrivers.com or 406-377-5601.