The power of creating the choir

With high school and college graduations upon us, it is a time that brings to mind the power of creating the choir (not an actual choir, of course, but those whose voices will join in telling and living out our communities' stories.) How have we as community members, parents, and business leaders spread the good word of life in rural Kansas as "rural influencers" to these valuable young adults? A lot can be said for routinely shining a light on the good happening in rural communities and our power to solve the challenges. How have we created connections for those students to have a positive impact as they go off into the world or enter the workforce? Every interaction with an adult (who isn't a parent) or business or nonprofit expands their network and skillset whether as a beginning 4-Her or a high school grad or a college student home for the summer. How have we created volunteer opportunities for students to contribute in a productive and meaningful manner to the place they've called home? If they love something and are proud of it, they'll return to it or invest in it later.

And if you haven't done any of these, this is the reminder to start now. Communities of the future don't happen by accident. They are built with intentional choices. They are built by people just like you - who care. The concept of creating the choir and communities of the future are found in the PowerUp & Go Report. Send your examples of creating the choir to Simone, KSF PowerUp & Engagement Manager.