Public Community Conversations Forums
What are the challenges facing rural communities in Northeast Iowa? How can communities proactively address these challenges to create thriving, resilient communities?
These questions and more will shape a community forum and conversation featuring work in Northeast Iowa as well as conversation about the future of rural communities. The goals of these forums are to share the results of work in the region, engage community leaders and stakeholders in a conversation about the future, and lay the groundwork for future community engagement.
The forums feature presentations by organizations active in Northeast Iowa that are working to create new opportunities for growth and development: Northeast Iowa Food and Fitness Initiative, Iowa Food Hub, Winneshiek Energy District and the Luther College Center for Sustainable Communities.
The forums are open to the public with no charge for admission. All are encouraged to attend. A light meal will be available. Reservations are not required but appreciated for planning. RSVP here.
For more information see www.luther.edu/sustainability or contact Ann Mansfield, project coordinator for the Northeast Iowa Food and Fitness Initiative, at mansan01@luther.edu or (563) 382-2949.
Dates and Times
Please join us at a location and time convenient for you.
Waukon – Tuesday, March 24, 5:30-7:00 pm
Waukon Wellness Center 1220 3rd Ave. NW
Oelwein – Thursday, March 26, 5:30-7:00 pm
Oelwein Middle School Library 12th Ave. SE
West Union – Monday, March 30, 5:30-7:00 pm
Holy Name Parish Catholic Church 128 N. Walnut St.
New Hampton – Tuesday, March 31, 5:00-6:30 pm
Chickasaw County Community Service Meeting Room
260 E. Prospect Street
Cresco – Tuesday, April 7, 5:30 – 7:00 pm
Cresco Bank & Trust Community Room
126 Second Avenue, SE
Marquette – Wednesday, April 8, 5:30 – 7:00 pm
Driftless Area Wetlands Center, 509 W. Highway 18
About the Hosts
The Iowa Food Hub is a local food distribution business, based out of West Union, Iowa. Established as a means to facilitate development of the regional food system, IFH programming focuses on food access and equality, small and medium-sized farm viability, beginning farmers, local economic development, and food system research and education.
The Winneshiek Energy District promotes economic health and sustainable development in Northeast Iowa by helping farms, homes, businesses and communities reduce energy costs, and by supporting local ownership of renewable energy sources.
The Northeast Iowa Food and Fitness Initiative is a collaborative effort working to increase access to local, healthy food and opportunities for physical activity for children and their families in our region. With focus on schools and early childhood settings, their outreach efforts have expanded to include eight AmeriCorps/FoodCorps service members in 10 schools and Head Start classrooms across six counties.
The Luther College Center for Sustainable Communities coordinates all sustainability initiatives at Luther College and works on sustainability education and outreach. The mission of the Center is to promote sustainability and be a catalyst for change on campus and in the region.