Empowering Rural People: Strategic Planning and Training for Community Survival

Abstract

Community Quest is a problem-solving model for rural communities which connects leadership development with local issues. Leadership is a lifelong pursuit, developed through practical experiences in our own communities. By building on community strengths, a region can clarify its collective mission to direct power and resources toward a shared vision. The goal is to link communities in a shared agenda for the region. Innovative techniques are used to involve more people in the community's decision-making process. A three-stage process which combines research and problem-solving methods brings decision makers and stakeholders together for strategic planning.