BOZEMAN — Montana State University Extension is accepting applications until Aug. 9 from rural Montana communities to participate in the Reimagining Rural virtual gathering in September and October.

Reimagining Rural brings inspirational stories of success in small towns to local gatherings of community volunteers. Communities gather for three evening events that feature live virtual speakers talking about how to complete projects in rural places. Following the speakers, local groups have a facilitated conversation about how ideas might work in their communities.

“Reimagining Rural has been used to jumpstart conversations about what residents want next for their town,” said Tara Mastel, MSU Extension community development program leader.

For example, in Scobey, she said, community members talked about where to invest community resources. In Cut Bank and Forsyth, they began conversations about a “brand” for their towns. In Valier, it was how to welcome visitors and how to get a younger generation of leaders involved.

“Organizers are encouraged to invite people from all parts of their community to the event, which makes it easy to have a community-wide conversation about their town,” Mastel said.

More than 170 people participated in the Reimagining Rural virtual gathering in 2021 in 23 communities across Montana. The program features speakers who talk about what has been successful in their small towns.

“Hearing from similarly sized communities has inspired many Reimagining Rural participants to take on big, important projects for their town,” Mastel said. “Participants come away inspired to start new projects and engage new volunteers to work toward a more vibrant future for their town.”

Sessions are planned from 6 to 8 p.m. on Sept. 8, Sept. 22 and Oct. 6. The program is free, but communities must apply to participate. Applications are due Aug. 9. To learn more or to download the application, visit msuextension.org/communitydevelopment/reimagine-rural.html. 

Reimagining Rural is a collaboration between MSU Extension and the Montana Community Foundation. For more information, contact Mastel at tara.mastel@montana.edu.