The Northwest Regional Sustainable Development Partnership (NW RSDP) invites ideas for community sustainability. Seed funding is available to support projects that leverage community leadership and resources and create robust partnerships with the University of Minnesota. Individuals, organizations, and groups in northwestern Minnesota are encouraged to apply.
The NW RSDP supports projects that help communities make progress toward cleaner and more efficient energy use, food systems that support human and landscape health, protection of water and soil resources, and community resilience. In 2018, master plans for Roseau River and Fertile Sand Hills were initiated; thirty-two communities participated in One Vegetable, One Community promotions, visitor profile research was conducted in Bemidji as examples.
Successful projects engage diverse populations and advance new community collaborations. Community members and UM faculty, staff, and students bring public value through meaningful and mutually respectful roles.
Projects start with an Idea Brief, a short articulation of a sustainability idea. “Pitching an idea to the RSDP initiates the conversation. Staff and board advise and select several successful projects,” said Executive Director Linda Kingery. “The NWRSDP supports community champions, helps to flesh out ideas, and identify partners. Visit rsdp.umn.edu to find stories about our projects and submit an idea.”
NW RSDP advances environmental, social, and economic sustainability of Greater Minnesota through authentic community-University partnerships that co-create innovative solutions.
For more information and to submit a project idea visit http://www.extension.umn.edu/rsdp/idea-brief/ or contact Linda Kingery at kinge002@umn.edu or 218-281-8697.
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