Bancroft, IA

The Bancroft Horizons group met on Thursday November 20th for thier Action Forum. The ideas that the study circles had developed were presented. Although not all the circles had the exact same ideas, many of them were similar and we quickly found that simply by acting on one idea, we would be able to use another idea. In other words, even though some of the ideas did not make the final cut, they may still be implimented because they have become a part of another idea.
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Three ideas were chosen as our top vote getters. They were in order of votes: 1) Updated Community Website, 2) Community Fun Night with an adopt a grandparent/mentor promotion, and 3) Liscensed Day Care.
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An example of an idea that did not make the final cut that may still be implimented is the Freecycle Promotion. This was combined with the Website Update because it could easily be promoted through the website.
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Since the Website was the top vote getter, let us look at ways that this can really help our community: A) an anonymous way to seek help, B) free access at library even if no computer at home B) can help bring outside business to Bancroft C) educational D) shows opportunities for help and grants E) promotes low-cost daycare and preschool opportunites for working familes F) can have photos on-line to promote business retail and jobs done G) helps local businesses succeed in a technological world H) can provide internship to a person or group of people.
Some of the things to include in the website include: 1) special events locations 2)social events 3) business events/links 4) community calender 5) hot spot locations (hunting, fishing, hiking, camping) 6) employment opportunites 7) community highlights: business page of the month, meet community member page community help page: list grant opportunities and other agencies that will help with fuel, health care, etc. 9) city council page: events discussions, topics 10) farmers market page: promote local talent/selling online 11) Freecyle link.

The steering committee met again on Oct. 30th. We needed to select 3 community members to send on to the Leadership Plenty training session taking place Nov. 13-15. This training session should help those trained better impliment leadership skills and pass those skills on to others. Those selected are Phil Jaren, Denise Gisch, & Lori Nickel.
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We also discussed the upcoming ACTION FORUM to be held on Nov. 20th. All interested parties are encouraged to participate. Pizza will be provided. At this forum, ideas that were deleloped in each of the study groups will be brought forward and shared with everyone. Of these ideas, one will be chosen to be implimented first, and others will be given priority for the future. Other ideas may also be suggested. This is a time for community input into some of the brainstorming that has been going on over the last month.

Pride is one of the emotions that brings us together to make our community a better place for all who live in the area. If we have no motivation in these challenging times and we sit on our haunches, waiting for something to happen, the outcome will much less than if we act together. As we assess our situation and compile a strategy for the future, we envision a better life for all involved. We’ll be surprised how much we can influence the coming years. One thing is certain: to do nothing or simply complain about what is occurring will limit the days ahead. We’re choosing to begin a conversation. Who knows what the outcome will bring? There are obstacles, but, because of our cooperation, we are optimistic.

In the fall of 08, the community of Bancroft, IA was given the opportunity to begin working with HORIZONS: Community Leadership to Reduce Poverty. A steering committee was assembled, and a group of facilitators was trained on October 6th.
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Because of approaching deadlines, it was decided to hold the kickoff as soon as possible, and on October 12 a group of 32 folks from the Bancroft area gathered to participate in study groups to discuss poverty and try to find solutions.
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Although poverty can be a pessimistic subject, the discussions seemed quite optimistic as we looked at all the assests our community has to offer. One of the greatest assests of all is our sense of community and the willingness of neighbors to help each other when they are in need. The challenge comes when folks isolate themselves from their neighbors and the rest of the community. By doing this, others do not know of their problems or that they could even use help. This is especially challenging when new people move in without knowing anyone else.
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Study groups will continue to meet over the next month to discuss both the assets and needs of our town, and to try to come up with some ways to make poverty less of a challenge.

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