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Pilot Communities Selected for Healthy Landscapes, Healthy Communities Initiative
The Healthy Landscapes, Healthy Communities Initiative will provide communities across South Dakota an opportunity to envision vibrant public spaces through an engaged planning and design effort.
SDSU Extension welcomes new Community Vitality field specialist
December 31, 2024
As a Community Vitality field specialist, Kluin will support the well-being and sustainability of South Dakota’s communities through focused programs and discussions. She is based at the Sioux Falls Regional Center.
Energize conference inspires small SD communities
January 17, 2025
Hosted in a different South Dakota town of 5,000 or fewer people each year, Energize is an opportunity for community and business leaders to gather, gain new perspectives and share ideas about revitalizing rural communities.
No One is Never a Leader
Leadership isn’t a one-size-fits-all concept. Whether you're managing a project, organizing a community event, leading a team at work, or planning something with your family, there are many ways to approach leadership.
ND author, podcast host to keynote SDSU Extension Energize conference
March 07, 2025
South Dakota State University Extension Community Vitality is pleased to announce North Dakota businesswoman and rural advocate Rebecca Undem as the 2025 Energize conference keynote speaker.
Rural Communities: Addressing Declining Population by Developing Entrepreneurial Communities
As the population decreases, schools close. Businesses close. Services become less and less. Research shows that people want to live in rural areas but don’t believe the opportunities are there. If communities develop a system to connect people to opportunities, rural communities can stabilize their population, keep their schools, businesses and services, and maybe even increase them.
Watertown entrepreneur wins SDSU Extension business plan contest
March 24, 2025
A Watertown woman won a South Dakota State University Extension Community Vitality business plan contest with her compelling plan for a cancer support group.
Why Third Places Are Vital to Rural Communities
From community centers to small businesses, third places are social spaces outside of one’s home that support connection, economic growth, and civic engagement in rural communities.
Leadership for Today Manageable Meetings
At one time or another, we have all answered the call to civic duty by serving on a committee or advisory board. For some, the experience has been productive and energizing. For others, the experience has been painful, marked by long meetings that are unorganized and frustrating.
Leadership for Today - Effective Group Communication
Within a given day, human beings rely on the ability to communicate as a means of transferring information. Whether we speak, listen, write notes or letters, email, or text message, the process of communicating thoughts, ideas, and feelings is something we find to be important but typically give little thought to.