A new approach to a thriving rural region
Join us for a community engagement session
The Northland Foundation’s mission is to support Northeast Minnesota people and communities working toward a future where everyone feels they belong and can thrive.
What does it mean to belong and thrive? All of us probably have different definitions based on our values, lived experiences, and ability to dream about the future. What we may all agree on, though, is that we are not yet in a place where everyone in Northeast Minnesota feels like they do belong and can thrive.
We have found a tool that allows us, as a region, to take stock, target action, and gauge progress so that tomorrow is hopefully better than today for everyone. It’s called the Thrive Rural Framework, developed by the Aspen Institute’s Community Strategies Group. We partnered with Northspan to dig deep into regional data using this framework as a guide. The resulting research highlights eight areas of initiative—challenges which also offer opportunities for real change.
We’re traveling the region to share these findings and gather reactions and support.
Attend an information and engagement session (listed below) to learn more, ask questions, and voice your ideas as we work on building a common understanding and a starting point to move Northeast Minnesota toward a better, more prosperous future.
Attend a session if you can. If you can’t, find the report and an online feedback form here.
Engagement Sessions
Please REGISTER HERE. Everyone is welcome.
Monday, October 27
CLOQUET
10:00-11:30 AM
Cloquet Public Library, 320 14th Street
DULUTH
1:30-3:00 PM
Alworth Building Suite 300, 302 W. Superior Street
Wednesday, October 29
TWO HARBORS
9:30-11:00 AM
Two Harbors Community Building, 417 South Avenue
GRAND MARAIS
2:00-3:30 PM
Cook County Higher Education, 300 W. 3rd Street
Wednesday, November 19
MOUNTAIN IRON
10:00-11:30 AM
Mountain Iron Community Center, 8586 Enterprise Drive
INTERNATIONAL FALLS
2:30-4:00 PM
Cobblestone Hotel and Suites, 1 Memorial Drive
Thursday, December 4
GRAND RAPIDS
10:00-11:30 AM
Timberlake Lodge, 144 17th Street SE
AITKIN
2:00-3:30 PM
Aitkin County Boardroom, 231 1st Street NW