Our Youth, Our Future
On the tail end of the Flathead Reservation, the town of Arlee nestles in the Jocko Valley of Montana’s Mission Mountains. While many small towns suffer from a slowing inertia, Arlee residents are bringing new life to their community through innovative initiatives. From Chocolate Festivals to art mentoring, Arlee residents are taking action aimed at helping the area’s youth and the community’s future.
Many people who live in Arlee were born and raised here. Some go away for a while — to school, to the military or for jobs — and then return. Some go away and don’t come back, but still call Arlee home. A few new residents have come too.
Connection to family is important to Arlee residents. One community member remarks, “Our children, all the way to our great grandchildren, are our greatest assets. There is a generational commitment in our town.” Another residents adds, “The youth give hope to the community and the youth bring the community together across race and class lines.” In a mixed Native American and non-Native American community, youth are where people can see the future.
It was largely this commitment to their youth that prompted a group of Arlee residents to participate in a leadership program in 2005. This community leadership development program called Horizons, which is sponsored by the Northwest Area Foundation, was brought to the community by the Salish-Kootenai College. In Horizons’ monthly meetings, community members came together to share ideas and resources. There, Arlee’s diverse residents worked together to identify the community’s assets, to better understand poverty and ways to alleviate it, and to take on new initiatives.
Residents identified many assets: the natural beauty of their place, a newly built community center available for family gatherings and community events, and the many skills of people in the community including a wealth of talented Native American artists with extensive knowledge of the culture and traditional ways. Once assets were identified, residents saw opportunities and took the initiative to create positive change.
A newer resident proposed a fundraising idea that had everyone’s mouth watering — a Chocolate Festival! She explains, “It was an idea that I brought with me from a town where I once lived. People bring one chocolate item to taste and then one to auction. People taste for free and then vote for the best item. The second items are then auctioned off.” The Chocolate Festival has now turned into an ongoing community event. In its first year, it raised over $1,200 for youth programs.
But raising funds is not the only outcome of the event. Explains the originator, “With the Chocolate Festival, new leadership is being developed. I may have started it, but by delegating the fundraising and organizing of the event, more people are able to develop those skill areas.”
Another project that has blossomed is an arts initiative with the school. Community artists offer instruction on painting, drawing, making collages, mosaic design and weaving. “It allows for a safe and positive place for youth to create and to have a place of hope outside the poverty that many experience,” explains one resident. “It inspires the youth and the local artists who mentor them. It also shows younger people that there is career potential in art.”
Other initiatives that residents have organized are computer training, with instruction provided by the Salish-Kootenai College, and classes on job skills and resume writing. Individuals are taking it upon themselves to reach out and share their skills and resources. A woman who moved back to the community has hired people locally to work on her projects. A metal worker is willing to teach his skills to youth in the community. Other people are willing to share their knowledge of canning and baking.
As so often happens with good leadership development programs, individuals in Arlee learned that they were the leaders. Every person has a skill they can share. The Horizons process helped community members identify the areas where they each can lead, and where they can offer something to the community.
With all of these diverse activities and ideas generated, a question pondered is — did diverse communities come together through the Horizons process?
While Arlee residents have varying responses, and many had bigger hopes and broader expectations, there are definitely signs of progress. One example was the decision of the Heartview Retreat Center to open its swimming pool to the public. Individuals from the community received lifeguard training and 68 youth will receive swimming lessons this year. This opens the door for both middle- and lower-income youth to learn a very practical skill and come together in a fun environment.
Furthermore, new people are showing up and getting involved. One resident points to a Native American couple who unexpectedly stepped forward and helped to organize youth events, youth groups and a Native American youth camp.
While there has been some disagreement about the diversity question, one person says, “We have been able to work with each other for the betterment of the community.” Another states, “What has been learned is to not stand back but be active in the decision-making process. The community is moving forward through a variety of organizations and in a positive manner. Much change is still to come to this community.”
To ensure their work continues beyond the end of the Horizons program, residents have formed the Arlee Horizons Steering Committee and have made a commitment to continue working with the Salish-Kootenai College and to form their own 501(c)3 nonprofit within five years.