Horizons Anti-Poverty Program
Background:
Horizons was a multi-year community leadership initiative, designed and launched by the Northwest Area Foundation (NWAF). Everyday Democracy and the Pew Partnership for Civic Change partnered with NWAF in this effort, which was delivered by a number of nonprofits, Tribal Colleges and State University Extension Services. Horizons was designed to build community leadership and capacity to address poverty in small, rural, and reservation communities. It was predicated on the theory that communities already possess many of the assets and skills to arrest social and economic decline, and can, with leadership training, resources and support, craft and implement a shared community vision to address poverty in meaningful ways.
Click here to read more background information about Horizons.
Outcomes:
Horizons was designed to contribute to NWAF's mission of poverty reduction by identifying, preparing and equipping new leaders and helping them to “take community action on poverty.” Clearly, the evidence gathered from 283 communities over five years substantiates that leadership changes have been sometimes profound, and they have been sustained. And, clearly, communities are taking action to address poverty. Indeed, over half of the alumni communities are still working on their poverty plan. Most communities acknowledged that by the conclusion of the formal 18-month program, they are just getting started on addressing poverty.
Based on the lessons from Horizons, we have worked with NWAF to create new resources for deepening work on poverty reduction and building prosperity.
Click here to read more about outcomes from Horizons.
Stories from the initative:
Bold ideas and action pave opportunity highway
After moving back to her once thriving community, Muriel Krusemark was devastated by the lack of community involvement. Instead of sitting on the sidelines, Muriel has helped turn her town's obstacles into opportunities.
Minnesota towns make community vision a reality
After taking part in the Horizons anti-poverty program, residents of 34 Minnesota towns developed community visions. Outcomes include implementing a community garden, installing a bus shelter, and developing a plan to tackle homelessness.
"Day of Unity" event marks important milestone for Wagner, S.D.
Residents of Wagner, S.D., will come together for a "Day of Unity" event, which marks an important milestone for their involvement in the Horizons Racism Study Circles and in their 10-year goal of working with diversity issues.
Horizons program credited for instilling confidence and leadership skills
Inspired by her leadership training in the Horizons anti-poverty program in Stanford, Mont., Sandee Hungate is pursuing a new business venture: opening a local clothing store.
Click here to read more stories from Horizons.