Since 2017, Harbinger has been part of the Western Community Assessment Network, a USDA-funded collaboration focused on improving the practice of “community reviews” in rural communities in Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming. These comprehensive assessment programs help communities identify and address priority issues, build community capacity, and enhance quality of life for their residents.

After completing its first three-year grant, the project was funded for a second time, this time with the goal of developing approaches that could reach more communities more quickly. That’s where the Community Bootcamp came from. This program, open to ad hoc teams from small communities in Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming, was intended to help these cross-sector teams fast track a project from their community’s priority list. The focus was on placemaking, youth development, beautification, events, and other projects that won’t get done unless community members take the lead.

In four action-packed evening sessions, several teams of 4-6 participants—many of whom were working together for the first time—came together virtually to:

• Learn about what innovation really means in rural communities and hear about community-led changes from the people in the three states who helped make them happen.

• Prepare to think about—and work with—their community’s networks to uncover hidden resources.

• Learn how to tell compelling stories about their projects.

• Develop a funding toolbox to help them find the money and other resources to make their projects a reality.

• Apply all this learning to a community strategy or project that the team works on together. The bootcamp offered teams time and structure for project planning and insights into how to move ahead without getting stuck in planning, as well as inspiration, motivation, team support and ongoing coaching to help bring their projects to fruition.

Communities that completed the Community Bootcamp are eligible for $500 in matching funds to support their selected project. They are also eligible to apply for a full Community Review and are invited to join WeCAN’s Peer Learning Network.

Harbinger helped design and facilitate the Bootcamp, which will be offered again in Fall 2022. Learn more about the Bootcamp on WeCAN’s website.