The University of Minnesota
Southeast Regional Sustainable Development Partnership
Experiment in Rural Cooperation
PUBLIC DINNER & DISCUSSION MEETINGS
Mondays, 6-9 PM - May 12, August 11, October 13
Interested in helping shape the outcome of sustainability projects? Then come to any or all of the meetings to give your two cents about the viability of project ideas and to see how University of Minnesota dollars are being spent on your behalf… and get a good - free - meal to boot! See flyer below.
Enjoy our "quick-read" biennial report with information on organizational initiatives, project accomplishments & finances. Please scroll to bottom of this page for PDF attachment to download - SEBiennialReport2007.
What is the Experiment in Rural Cooperation?
The Minnesota Legislature has provided funds to the University of Minnesota to promote sustainable development in agriculture, natural resources and tourism by establishing Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships throughout Minnesota ( http://www.regionalpartnerships.umn.edu/ ) . The Regional Partnerships link rural community priorities and University of Minnesota resources. Annually each Partnership receives an appropriation of approximately $170,000.
The Experiment in Rural Cooperation is the Southeast Minnesota Regional Sustainable Development Partnership. It encompasses the Mississippi River Blufflands and the Rochester Plateau - an area that includes Goodhue, Wabasha, Winona, Houston, Olmsted, Fillmore, Dodge and Mower counties, and portions of Rice, Steele and Freeborn counties.
The aim of the Partnerships is to encourage relations between communities and the University of Minnesota as a land grant institution. Citizens working in concert with University representatives can utilize their University to address community, economic and environmental opportunities in their communities. The development of community-based projects supported through the Experiment in Rural Cooperation is the responsibility of both community and University interests. A partnership that creates a learning experience for the University while providing practical resources for community-based initiatives is the ideal outcome.
How has the Experiment evolved?
Rural areas in southeast Minnesota are experiencing changes resulting from large-scale shifts in America's economy and social character. New technologies, global trade, changing demographics and land use pressures present difficult challenges to sustaining rural life and enhancing rural vitality. Addressing these challenges necessitates that the region's citizens work together in focused ways on new solutions.
The Experiment in Rural Cooperation is designed to facilitate this process by making available University resources and financial assistance to support community-based initiatives in agriculture, natural resources and tourism. Specifically, the Experiment:
- encourages the community and University to jointly define opportunities, problems and solutions;
- provides opportunities for learning, research and outreach to rural communities and citizens as well as University of Minnesota faculty and students; and
- funds projects that foster sustainable development and a homegrown economy that supports self-reliant communities and a healthy natural environment.
What has happened so far?
Since 1998, the Experiment has completed two region-wide asset mapping surveys to identify project concepts and partnerships based on criteria established by citizen leaders and University representatives. With over $1 million of Experiment funds, over 50 community-based projects have been supported to date.
As the Experiment's work unfolds over time, the number of projects will change and the process will respond to emerging opportunities identified by board members and by local interests throughout Southeast Minnesota.
Who is involved?
The Experiment's 18-member board of directors represents a broad cross-section of Southeast Minnesota citizen leaders, as well as University of Minnesota interests. Citizens or University faculty interested in serving on the board should click "Interested in serving on the ERC board?" from the list on the left side of this page and/or call the Experiment's office for more information.
If I have an idea for a project, how does the process work?
If you are interested in proposing a project to the Experiment, go to the links on the left side of this page (APPLY for...) and/or call the Experiment's office for more information.
Contact information:
Erin Meier, Director
Experiment in Rural Cooperation
tegtm003@umn.edu
U of MN, Rochester: 507-536-6313
Fax: 507-536-6311
Rochester mailing address:
UM Extension SE District Office
863 30th Ave SE
Rochester, MN 55904
