Renaissance on the Prairie

A renaissance is underway in Morris; a rebirth of community connections and involvement designed to highlight the town’s many resources and the good quality of life in west central Minnesota. Through working with Blandin Community Investment Partnership (BCIP) the people of Morris have greatly expanded opportunities for youth, and taken steps to attract new people to their area.

Building Connections

Throughout the BCIP planning process the people involved have stretched beyond their normal comfort zones and boundaries to participate. They are a diverse group, ranging in age and coming from different parts of the community.

As a result, the University, the local community, and the school district, among others, are invested in each other and how they can work together on the goals they have determined. According to Heather Aagesen from the Center for Small Towns, “The change in attitude and increase in openness is absolutely phenomenal.”

Morris residents have a new direction that has resulted in more understanding among people and a sense of identity and pride in their place.

A Great Place to Live

Morris has held one business expo, designed to showcase the many businesses and organizations in the area that provide employment and professional development opportunities. It also promotes Morris as a great place to live, highlighting its rich cultural and community environment. Knowing that job hunters are always researching their possibilities, often from remote locations, Morris residents are in the process of creating an online business guide. It is a key component to promoting the area to current and potential community members.

Young Leaders

The renaissance in Morris encompasses more than economics; it extends into the lives of the youth. It has grabbed their attention and engaged their creative energy. Many lives have been affected by the vitality of youth leadership in Morris. Through service learning classes at University of Minnesota Morris progress has been created in an effort to reclaim parts of the native prairie, bridges between generations have been built, and public mural projects will come to colorful fruition.

In writing class, students meet with patients who have Alzheimer’s disease over the course of a semester, working with them to recapture and record their memories in a book. In a peer interaction, program female college students meet with girls in junior high to mentor and support them. Each of these experiences extends boundaries and provides people the opportunity to know and respect each another.

Working Together

Three high school students serve on the school board, conduct listening sessions with their peers and act as liaisons between the students and the board. This brings a deeper understanding about the issues facing both youth and adult populations. In collaboration with Healthy Communities – Healthy Youth, a team of high school students serves as a granting agency, administering $3,000 per year. These monies fund community service projects and efforts to educate teachers about service learning.

School districts, community organizations, students, and the university are working together to build a strong future. People who once thought they had different priorities and concerns are realizing their common goals. One unlikely place this has touched the community is in plans to build a skateboard park. The city donated a tennis court as a site for the park and the youth are deciding the best ways to spend the money. Their task is to build the best park they can with the available resources.

Culture Works

The recreational and cultural life in Morris is the focus of another community goal. A cultural plan is in the works beginning with a Storytelling Night. The kick-off event featured six local storytellers sharing about the history, evolution, and future of Morris. The purpose is to get people together to talk about their place and the connections between who they are and where they live.

Efforts to improve life and invest in community have brought Morris to life. Now more than ever, Heather emphasizes, “people want to listen, speak up, and understand each other.” Pairing BCIP with the service learning ethic of respect and involvement has resulted in a truly engaged and active group of citizens with clear goals and a healthier community.