Community

All Community Content

A green road sign that says South Dakota with the sunset in the background

Newcomers Survey

SDSU Extension has launched a newcomer survey to gain a better understanding of the reason that people are moving to South Dakota and will use the results to develop programming efforts to help communities welcome and retain newcomers.

Co-workers having a discussion around a laptop.

First Class Group Dynamics for Boards

Even the best boards can go off track due to group dynamics. Learn some expert tips for establishing first-class group dynamics by understanding the strengths and personality styles of each board member.

Purple origami paper sailboats leading several smaller, white paper sailboats.

Timely Theories of Leadership

During times of leadership transition, it can be beneficial for community leaders to take a look at leadership theories that have been popular over the past two centuries.

Staff of the Horse Power organization helping a young male aboard a horse for a therapeutic ride.

Strategic Planning Focused on Your Organization’s Strengths

Is your organization in need of a clear direction? SDSU Extension Community Vitality offers strategic planning to groups by starting with your strengths and building on them.

A husband and wife displaying fresh produce at a farmer's market stand.

Local Foods Legislation Introduced

Consumers who want to know more about where and how their food is raised are creating a bigger voice nationally. The increasing sales of local foods provides a bright spot for agriculture and a way to bring young farmers into agricultural production.

two young women smiling and sitting at a table taking notes

Sample Questions to Ask a Current Business Owner/Operator

If you are thinking of starting a business, it makes sense to ask questions of current business owners in similar fields to give you a sense of owning and operating a business yourself.

small group of people outside a mobile food hub. Photo by Shakeitha Stone, USDA

The Benefits of Food Hubs

Food hubs provide another marketing option to producers who do not have time to participate in a farmers market or other direct marketing venues.

A room of people sit around tables and listen to the young entrepreneurs panel at the 2023 Energize conference in Wessington Springs

Hot Springs to host SDSU Extension 2024 Energize Conference

December 29, 2023

South Dakota State University Extension Community Vitality and the community of Hot Springs will host the 2024 Energize Exploring Innovative Rural Communities Conference on May 22 and 23, 2024.

Eliza Blue

In this episode of Home Starts Here, Josh and Kara meet with Eliza Blue, a self-described “writer, folk singer, and accidental rancher.”

Sunny Hannum, a dancer based in Fort Pierre, SD, dynamically posing with a horse in a field.

Hosannah Dance Studio: Sunny Hannum

In this episode of Home Starts Here, Kara Harders and Joshua Hofer, SDSU Community Vitality Field Specialists, meet with Sunny Hannum, of Fort Pierre, South Dakota, Co-Owner of Hosannah Dance Studio based in Fort Pierre, SD.