Tag: Institute for Policy Research and Engagement

The Local Domino Effect

Posted on by vbinnin2

By Molly Murai, Main Street Coordinator, Cottage Grove Main Street

The most rewarding accomplishment is seeing the community’s support and involvement in my projects. I have seen positive responses for the hanging basket project, which benefits the beautification of downtown. The hanging baskets are not a Main Street project, but my responsibility is to help support the watering service and basket purchases. Despite being in a pandemic where people are experiencing their own challenges, they still donate to this project. I have received a higher amount in donations than in previous years, which makes me have faith in humankind. People are willing to help because they care about their community in Cottage Grove; they are passionate and want to see the best for their little town. By donating, they are creating awareness for this vital cause. I have also seen this compassion on social media platforms, like Facebook. People have offered food assistance, help with grocery shopping or mask distribution. People in Cottage Grove genuinely care for each other. Within this group of people who support each other, I would often see local government officials, like the Mayor of Cottage Grove, the City Manager, or City Councilors at community events like the Cottage Grove Art Walk or my seasonal events. I also see business owners in other business’ establishments. It’s nice seeing people I work with who also make the City’s decisions show up for the community. I receive a tremendous amount of support from my Board members who also serve on other boards, attend my events. Through their connections, they create awareness for the Main Street Program and demonstrate their commitment by making time and effort to be there.

From my position, I have learned the importance of supporting local and the domino effect it has. Before this position, I was a huge supporter of the more prominent franchises like Safeway, Target, or Costco. And although those stores have their benefits like Costco selling in bulk, the locally owned grocery stores like Bi-Mart or Grocery Outlet are just as substantial. When Walmart entered the economy in Cottage Grove, the company drove out many small, locally owned businesses. Walmart became customers’ one-stop-shop, which closed smaller and specific stores like pharmacies, jewelry, clothing, etc. It has been very refreshing to visit the historic districts’ businesses because I see the owners in their stores almost every day. I can count on them to be there on days that I go there. I have noticed a greater feeling when you purchase an item from the store owner who may have created that item, or served by the restaurant owner. I am now passionate about sourcing products locally and buying in-store rather than from on line sites, like Amazon. Some people prefer one-stop-shops instead of going to multiple stores to save time. Although I understand this concept, it may be hurting the small businesses more than people think.

A business owner has taught me about the definition of “local.” As Cottage Grove already has limited resources, the term must be used correctly. I made a mistake in an email about the t-shirt company being local, when it wasn’t our actual Cottage Grove company, but a company based out of Happy Valley, Oregon. As a resident from Hawaii, I use the term as statewide because the state is so small that we are proud if something is made in the state. Due to there being so many towns in Oregon, the term is used within the city. Using the city also applies to money. Money must stay in Cottage Grove, distributed, and should go directly back to the area.

Photo of the author standing in front of a tree and a brick buildingAbout the author, Molly Murai: As the Main Street Coordinator, Molly works with the Main Street Board of Directors and local business owners to build sustainable growth within the Cottage Grove Main Street Program. Molly is responsible for organizing fun and engaging community events that help foster local businesses and boosts economic development in the historic downtown district. Molly serves as a liaison between the business owners and the City and helps them improve community engagement and economic development in Cottage Grove.

Reflecting on Impacts of Urban/Rural Divide Myth

Posted on by vbinnin2

By Erica Mooney, Community Engagement Coordinator, Illinois Valley Soil and Water Conservation District

Author wearing RARE shirt, accompanied by two alumni - all smiling!
Erica Mooney with RARE alumni Anya Moucha (Year 22) and Kyle Kearns (Year 22)

I believe and feel that the greatest impact I had is intangible. I created an energy and practice of connectivity between and across organizations, as well as inspired collaborative mindset and practice. The single tangible accomplishment that feels the most rewarding to me is building relationship with some of the young leaders in the area, including connecting a high school student to the Rural Organizing Project’s fellowship, for which she was accepted and is engaged in currently. I also continued the thread of discussing and naming toxic historical feuds and assumptions, specifically related to the false narrative of the ‘hippie and redneck divide’ by calling out and debunking said myth in many varied settings.

While working long hours and being responsible for finding and applying for the funding and developing the job description for the future of my position, I was amidst applying to a Portland-based foundation. I realized that the way that Portland (urban, college educated norm) views and discusses equity, diversity, and inclusion is a far cry from what is needed to meet people where they are at, on the ground, specific to my experience in Illinois Valley, but upon discussion with friends and peers, relevant to the rural/urban divide myth across the state. I realized that if funders really want to move the needle on acceptance and dismantling white supremacy and classist norms, a lot more deep listening to organizers and community leaders who are not in cities needs to happen. This unfolded through lots of stressed phone calls and long conversations with other RAREs, friends and allies across the nation, and my fellow IV Stream Team staff. This realization allowed me to accept that we were not a fit for the vision that the foundation has of DEI and how to invest in it, as of Spring 2020. The dialog that I began with their staff, I hope and believe, was validated and is now being further recognized due to the resurgence of the Black Lives Matter movement and the impacts of the pandemic, which have both showed that racism and toxic norms are alive and thriving within virtually all major institutions built on the illusion that this is a free nation, without the acknowledgement that this is broadly stolen land and realignment is only possible through deep changes to the culture that paved over said stolen land.

Photo of the author standing in front of a red flowing currantAbout the author, Erica Mooney: Erica served as the Community Engagement Coordinator for both the Illinois Valley Soil and Water Conservation District and the Illinois Valley Watershed Council. Erica increased community presence by collaborating with partners to bring the public educational, outreach, and service projects. They engaged board members in developing their skills and leadership, and communicate with the community via social media, flyering, attending events, and other methods. They planned and facilitated volunteer projects and events, and documented and evaluated program components. As the Community Engagement Coordinator, Erica worked in an office and the outdoors, gaining valuable experience in conservation and rural community engagement.