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January 2005 Volume III, Number 1

Compiled by Deb Miller Slipek, News Finder Extraordinary &
Jane Leonard, MRP President & Editor
IN THIS ISSUE:

- Across The Field
- Policy & Programs
- Funding
- Meetings & Conferences
- Tools & Miscellaneous
- Job Posting - University of Minnesota

ACROSS THE FIELD - by Jane Leonard

For many, the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday holiday (January 15 is the actual day) has become one of those "Monday holidays." Instead of a day meant for national reflection, we catch up on errands, shop, or just sleep in.

But take time to think more deeply about the MLK Day meaning as you seek roadmaps through this time of difficult social and economic transformation in America. Think about it as you consider rural civil rights in the tenuous social and economic contract between urban, suburban and rural America. Think about it when you consider a recent W.K. Kellogg Foundation report, Federal Investment in Rural America Falls Behind, which found that only one-tenth of one percent of federal funding between 1994 and 2001 went to rural community development. To access the report, visit the "Knowledgebase" section of the foundation's website at http://www.wkkf.org/Pubs/Federal_Spending_for_Rural_
00376_03977.pdf. Or consider Dr. King's legacy and America's heritage of striving for social and economic justice when you read the New Governance for a New Rural Economy report by the Center for the Study of Rural America (available at http://www.kansascityfed.org) and remember that rural counties make up 95% of the persistent poverty counties in America.

I was a grade-schooler in the 1960s, living near the epicenter of the civil rights struggle - the Mason-Dixon line and Washington, D.C. Now in my reflective 40s, living in Minnesota, Dr. Rev. Martin Luther King Day indeed grows in significance as we move a generation past the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 -- the two most significant pieces of legislation to result from the mass struggles of the 1960s. As we slide into the distracted 21st century and the constitutional battles of today, we risk losing sight of their instructive teachings.

The 1964 and 1965 Acts courageously opened doors rather than closed them. They greatly enhanced the status of blacks, women, and other minority groups and placed greater responsibility on the federal government to protect previously disenfranchised groups from discriminatory treatment. They reiterated bedrock principles of our democracy -- our Declaration of Independence, "that we hold these truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal." They created the 24th amendment and reaffirmed the 15th and 19th amendments to the U.S. Constitution (which already said that color, race, and sex would not be grounds to deny or abridge by any state or by the United States, the right to vote).

Let us not forget these self-evident truths. That minorities of any kind, such as the 22% of Americans who live in rural areas, will not be taken for granted. Like Dr. King, let us take guidance from our living, breathing Constitution to show us the way, on his day and beyond, that:
"We the People of the United States, in order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America."

Those opening words of the Constitution fulfilled the promise we made in the closing words of the Declaration of Independence, where we literally declared interdependence, to "mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor." Can we remember those words today in the midst of our self-centered lives?

Dr. King reminded us in the early years of the civil rights movement that:
"The universe is on our side in the struggle. Stand up for justice. Sometimes it gets hard, but it is always difficult to get out of Egypt, for the Red Sea always stands before you with discouraging dimensions. And even after you've crossed the Red Sea, you have to move through a wilderness with prodigious hilltops of evil and gigantic mountains of opposition. But I say to you this afternoon: Keep moving. Let nothing slow you up. Move on with dignity and honor and respectability." -excerpted from "Give Us the Ballot," Address at the Prayer Pilgrimage for Freedom, May 17, 1957, Washington, D.C.

Those are motivating words to live by, for any great effort, whether in basic human rights or in the journey ahead to create new systems that close persistent gaps between rural and metro America.

POLICY

--Join MEG! Just ask MEG why! MEG - Minnesota's Entrepreneurial Gateway, is looking for partners. Check out our draft website at http://www.minnesotaruralpartners.org/MEG/ -- which explains what we are trying to do. Basically we are trying to change attitudes and priorities to have federal, state, and local economic development leadership recognize, cheerlead, and use the combined cost-saving power of technology and face-to-face interactions to jumpstart small business creation and growth. Nothing fancy --- nothing earth-shaking… just simple Minnesotan common sense and cooperative effort……Wisconsin funded their model at $5 million for the next five years…..any ideas for funding Minnesota's are most welcome.

--The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) has increased its single-family home mortgage limits by more than seven percent. Effective January 1, 2005, FHA will insure single-family home mortgages up to $172,632 in low cost areas and up to $312,895 in high cost areas. The loan limits for two-, three- and four-unit dwellings also increased. http://www.hud.gov

--The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) announced the launch of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK. The national hotline is part of the National Suicide Prevention Initiative (NSPI)- a collaborative effort led by SAMHSA that incorporates the best practices and research findings in suicide prevention and intervention with the goal of reducing the incidence of suicide nationwide. In addition to the national hotline, a new website is being launched at http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org
In the United States, suicide currently is the 11th leading cause of death among all age groups, accounting for approximately 30,000 deaths annually.

FUNDING

--USDA Rural Development's Rural Utility Service Distance Learning & Telemedicine Grants are specifically designed to provide access to education, training and health care resources for people in rural America. The Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) Program funds the use of advanced telecommunications technologies to help communities meet those needs. Final appropriations numbers are not yet known. Another Notice will be published in the Federal Register when the exact amount of funds available for Fiscal Year 2005. The application window is open until February 1, 2005. For information go to:http://www.usda.gov/rus/telecom/dlt/dlt.htm

--The U.S. Department of Justice's Rural Domestic Violence and Child Victimization Enforcement Grant Program (the Rural Program) has grants available. The purpose of the Rural Program is to enhance the safety of victims of domestic violence, dating violence, and child victimization. The program awards grants to projects designed to address and prevent these crimes in rural jurisdictions. Organizations serving fewer than 5 rural counties will be eligible to receive a maximum of $500,000. The deadline for applications is February 3. For more information, go to http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/vawo/docs/fy05ruralgrant.pdf.

--Northeast Minnesota Communities: RFP For Tourism Assistance: The Northeast Minnesota Sustainable Development Partnership (NMSDP) announces Monday, February 14 as the deadline for 2005 tourism resource team (TRT) proposals. The TRT provides technical assistance to community tourism organizations in Northeast Minnesota that have encountered an obstacle or problem that prevents them from realizing their plans or goals. This program seeks to satisfy tourism industry needs, help the tourism industry protect natural and cultural resources that attract the residents and tourists initially, and preserve as many options, natural resources and development capabilities as possible for future generations. Details on the RFP will be announced in mid-January. See
http://www.regionalpartnerships.umn.edu/northeast/trtrpt2004.pdf for the 2004 project report. For more information, contact Tim Campbell, 888-876-6784 or 218-723-4692 or tim.campbell@state.mn.us

--The U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced the availability of up to $15 million in grants to develop renewable energy and expand the economic prospects and environmental benefits of biomass. Through the Biomass Research and Development Initiative, these grants are available to eligible entities to carry out research, development and demonstrations on biobased products, bioenergy, biofuels, biopower and related processes. Pre-applications for this joint solicitation must be submitted by February 15, 2005. The solicitation package (USDA-GRANTS-67-3A75-5-22) was posted on the federal funding opportunities website at http://www.Fedgrants.gov on Dec. 17, 2004 and in more detail at http://www.bioproducts-bioenergy.gov

--The Blandin Foundation's Broadband Initiative has announced application deadlines for the Get Broadband! Community Grant program for 2005. Three rounds are scheduled for 2005, with applications due on February 25, May 20 and August 19. To learn more about the Blandin Broadband Initiative, visit their website at http://www.blandinfoundation.org/html/public_broadband.cfm

--The Economic Development Administration is soliciting proposals for its National Technical Assistance grants. The deadline is May 31, 2005. These technical assistance projects are to promote competitiveness and innovation in urban and rural regions throughout the United States and its territories. By working in conjunction with its research partners, EDA will help states, local governments, and community based organizations to achieve their highest economic potential. Eligible applicants for and eligible recipients of EDA financial assistance include Economic Development Districts; Indian tribes or consortia of Indian tribes; states; cities or other political subdivisions; institutions of higher education or consortia of institutions of higher education; public or private nonprofit organizations or associations acting in cooperation with officials of a political subdivision of a state. Funds in the amount of $1,122,000 are available for the NTA Program for FY 2005. These funds are available until expended. For further information go to:
http://www.eda.gov/xp/EDAPublic/InvestmentsGrants/FFON.xml

MEETINGS AND CONFERENCES

--A State of the Region address will be held January 31 at 10:00am, Brooklyn Center sponsored by the Metropolitan Council. Council Chair Peter Bell presents opportunities and challenges in this annual address, highlighting Council proposals to improve transportation, including the Northstar commuter rail and the proposed busway in the NW Metro region. For details on the Council's 2030 Transportation Policy Plan, see http://www.metrocouncil.org/ Free. Details at http://www.metrocouncil.org/planning/sor2005/
sor2005.htm

-- Two Small Business Resource Fairs will be hosted by Congressman Collin C. Peterson in cooperation with the United States Small Business Administration (SBA), the Minnesota Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) and the Minnesota State Community and Technical College. During the day, attendees will hear from successful entrepreneurs and business advisors who have years of experience providing technical and financial assistance.

The first workshop will be held at the Minnesota West Community and Technical College in Granite Falls on February 18, 2005. The second will be held at the Shooting Star Casino's Conference Center in Mahnomen on March 4th. Information can be obtained on the Congressman's website at http://collinpeterson.house.gov/ or by calling his Detroit Lakes District Office at 218-847-5056.

--The Initiative Foundation, Hometown Minnesota Inc. and Central Lakes College Customized Training, Staples Campus are sponsoring two special workshops on February 23rd. Downtown Planning and Design, 8:30 am - 11:30 am and Downtown Design Standards, Tools for Implementation, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm These workshops will be held at the Staples Campus of Central Lakes College. Communities are encouraged to bring teams of up to 4 people. Workshops will include practical technical training and hands on small group work in your community teams. Cost will be $75 per community team per workshop. Contact Dan Frank at dfrank@ifound.org or 320-632-9255 Ext. 2056 for further information.

--The University of Minnesota Extension Service will be sponsoring a series of five workshops focusing on public finance and retail trade analysis. More information will be in the next newsletter, but for now please hold one of the following dates to participate in this event. March 10 - Marshall; March 24 - Owatonna; March 31 - Grand Rapids; April 7 - Crookston or April 14 - St. Cloud.

--2005 Spring National Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Conference: Corps of Discovery Begins with SBIR: Grow Your Business with Public-Private Financing will be held March 7-10 at the Hilton Omaha-Omaha, NE. For further information go to http://www.SBIRworld.com/Omaha

--Wisconsin Community Leadership Summit, Ramada Inn Convention Center, Eau Claire, WI. April 13-14, 2005. Minnesota Rural Partners is a co-sponsor of the 3rd annual leadership summit. For more information, check out http://www.wirural.org/CLSummit.htm

--2005 MINNESOTA RURAL SUMMIT - Save the Date! Spread the Word! - July 28-29, 2005, St. John's University, Collegeville.
The theme for 2005 is "The Great Reconnect." We'll be showcasing efforts that bridge community and economic resources between rural and urban Minnesota, that bridge diverse cultures and shared heritage, and that bridge our spirit and will to strengthen and sustain our communities, our regions, and our state. Check out http://www.minnesotaruralpartners.org/2005_summit/

TOOLS AND MISCELLANEOUS

--Building Better Rural Places: Federal Programs for Sustainable Agriculture, Forestry Conservation and Community Development is a HUGE directory of federal programs for sustainable agriculture, forestry, conservation and community development. It includes a description of each program, eligibility and contact information. It was produced by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in August of 2004. (PLEASE NOTE that the size of this file requires some time to download.) http://attra.ncat.org/guide/resource.pdf

-- Another great resource created by the Rural Information Center at the National Agricultural Library is a Guide to Funding Resources. It provides an overview of the process for applying for federal funding and funding from private sources. It lists a variety of resources and publications related to funding and grantwriting.
http://www.nal.usda.gov/ric/ricpubs/funding/fundguide.html

--And finally, are you looking for a list of Community Action Partnership Links that include: community action agencies, state and regional CAA associations? Go to: http://www.communityactionpartnership.com/about/links/map.asp

--The latest issue of the Main Street Economist's discusses of the "Termination of the Rabobank and Farm Credit Services of America Sale." This and other Main Street articles can be found on the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City's web site at: http://www.kansascityfed.org/RuralCenter/mainstreet/
MainStMain.htm

--USDA ERS State Fact Sheets contain frequently requested data for each state and for the total United States. These include current data on population, per-capita income, earnings per job, poverty rates, employment, unemployment, farm and farm-related jobs, farm characteristics, farm financial characteristics, top agricultural commodities, top export commodities, and the top counties in agricultural sales. The Fact Sheets can now be downloaded in Excel spreadsheets. See http://www.ers.usda.gov/StateFacts/

--The Rural Families Data Center of the Population Reference Bureau has a new brochure providing an overview of the social, economic and demographic characteristics of 14 million rural children. It is available at www.prb.org/rfdcenter/americasruralchildbroch.pdf.

--USDA Rural Development has conducted a review of its Rural Rental Housing loan and subsidy programs. It has completed a Comprehensive Property Assessment which used in-depth studies of 333 facilities to project the prepayment vulnerability, repair and rehabilitation needs, and long-term economic viability of its 16,000 property portfolio. Download the report at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rhs/mfh/Property
%20Assessment/Final%20Report%20Binder,%20v2.pdf.

--A W.K. Kellogg Foundation report, Federal Investment in Rural America Falls Behind, found that in the 1990s, the federal government spent more than twice per capita on metropolitan community development as it did on rural community development. Only one-tenth of one percent of federal funding between 1994 and 2001 went to rural community development. To access the report, visit the "Knowledgebase" section of the foundation's website at http://www.wkkf.org

--The Northwest Area Foundation's Indicators' website has some useful information for an eight-state region including Minnesota, Iowa, the Dakotas, Montana, Idaho, Oregon and Washington. The website includes 34 indicators in eight general categories: population, income and poverty, employment, family and kids, education, housing, health, crime and safety. The site also includes a subset of this data for selected communities, Native American Reservations and individual tribes. Visit http://www.indicators.nwaf.org/

JOB LISTING

University of Minnesota Extension Service
Executive Director - Central Region Partnership
Central Lakes College, Agricultural Center, Staples, Minnesota

University of Minnesota Extension Service is recruiting candidates for this position who will support the Central Region Partnership Board of Directors and its research, education, and outreach projects. The Executive Director must have an understanding of university-based research, education, and outreach processes; a basic knowledge of sustainable development in the areas of agriculture, natural resources and tourism; an ability to lead a process of shared decision-making between local citizens and University faculty; and community engagement skills that build partnerships. A master's degree is required.

Initial Deadline: February 4, 2005 Initial application screening will take place immediately after this date. Position will remain open until filled.

To obtain a complete position announcement including required and preferred qualifications download from Web at www.extension.umn.edu/units/director/hr/positions.html or call (612) 624-3717.

The U of MN is an equal opportunity educator and employer.