State Representative David Bly, District 25B

Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) is seeking up to eight communities (a geographical community, a neighborhood, a county, groups of organizations, or any combination) to engage in asset based community development (ABCD) efforts leading to economic growth and prosperity.

 As part of the grant, SMIF will provide up to $15,000 for community projects along with training and coaching. SMIF’s asset-affirming approach, called the Town Meeting Initiative (TMI), puts a strong spotlight on collaboration, local assets, and creativity that generates long-term change. “Through TMI, we encourage communities and organizations to draw on their own assets to create change rather than looking to ‘outside experts’ for answers and assistance,” states Tim Penny, SMIF President & CEO.

TMI uses asset mapping as a tool for understanding community resources and engaging residents in developing a shared vision. Currently 23 communities within southern Minnesota are TMI partners. These communities are identifying and achieving goals, learning about and leveraging their assets, developing volunteer leaders, and experiencing increased citizen involvement.

SMIF believes that communities have many existing assets that can and should be recognized and aligned to support growth and vitality. SMIF is looking for TMI applications focused on one or more of the following key areas:

· Engaging Elders - Engaging older citizens in paid employment or volunteerism related to SMIF’s business and workforce interest areas

· Experiential Career Education for Youth - Providing opportunities for non-college bound students to succeed in the workplace

· New Immigrants - Capitalizing on the assets of new immigrants in the workplace and/or as entrepreneurs

· BioBusiness - Growing bio-medical, bio-agriculture and renewable energy business

· Entrepreneurs - Growing local entrepreneurs

Communities are invited to send a letter of intent (email preferred) to Elise Davis (elised@smifoundation.org) by July 15, 2008 noting the focus area(s) and reason for their interest in TMI . TMI applications are due by August 15, 2008 ; selected communities will be notified by September 15, 2008. For more information or to obtain a Town Meeting Initiative (TMI) application, contact Elise Davis and 507-455-3215 or visit our website.