Project Summary

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In rural Kansas, a group of citizens explore options to resist total loss of their historical heritage, embracing new comers and neighbors, to breathe life and meaning into Main Street vision. Tapping the wisdom and energy kindled in discussion, they seek the secret of sustainable community.

About me

I have been engaged in education since the 1960s. My initiation was in Watts, following the riots. I came to Glasco to teach in 1979. At 73, I still work quarter time with the schools. I have been involed in introducing and helping implement several programs during my years here. About a dozen years ago, we established a K-12 Learn-Serve Program. This is now a permanant part of the district programming. We have added community-based Learning-Service to develop community initiatives. This is sponsored by the Glasco Community Foundation. I was a founding member of the Glasco Community Foundation, and serve as secretary of the board of directors. Last year, GCF established a Free University, working with Kansas-State University and the Community Resource Act. We call the Free U 'GIFTS'--Glasco Inspires Free Talent Sharing. GIFTS will help provide the format for bringing community people together to discuss and develop action plans. GCF maintains a building on Main Street that serves as our Rural Activity Center. This is where we have a weekly farmers' market, coffeehouses, exhibitions, and the Free U classes and workshops. I am interested in the Case Foundation 'Make It Your Own' grant because it emphasizes exactly where the community needs to grow. Going to the people to actually build from and through their needs and assets is the hurdle we have not dared. This is the right time and right place to do so.