Understanding the Rural Dynamic
Kuanita E. Murphy No two communities are alike, and rural communities are no exception. A challenge to working in rural communities is to understand and to identify the dynamics present and how they affect strong community. As a leader within the nonprofit sector for fifteen years and a native of the rural southwest Georgia area, I understand the need to identify the various dynamics that contribute to success and foster barriers to the development of community. Limited amenities impact the perception of community viability. However, throughout the southwest Georgia region natural resources abound, for instance, George T. Bagby Park in Fort Gaines, the Kolomoki Mounds State Park in Blakely, and Providence Canyon in Lumpkin, Georgia. The natural resources are ready available tools to market not only a community but the region. Foremost, however, knowledge of such resources with the successful application of marketing techniques foster tourism. A number of localized and regional efforts to promote the area support not only growth but marketability collectively. Tourism, more specifically agritourism, is a strong asset of the southwest Georgia region. Further contributing to the dynamic is the trend of declining populations in some communities throughout the southwest Georgia area. The causes are diverse for the decline but highpoint the tremendous challenges leaders encounter. In addition, low education levels, illiteracy, and poverty impact job availability and the recruitment of industry to the area. Industry leaders demand a ready-skilled workforce to start, to develop and to maintain their businesses. Thus, the development of partnerships among education, business, and community leaders is paramount to address education needs to foster a sufficient workforce. Though efforts are continual the factors that affect outcomes undoubtedly are leader perspective and willingness to work collaboratively to achieve a common goal-improved education for all. Lack of employment opportunities cause many to seek work outside the community. A vast number of residents commute not only to work, but also to purchase goods, services, and amenities. The effect of the dynamic is loss of potential tax revenue and economic impetus to communities outside the county. Leaders, therefore, create innovative means to stimulate the economy through annual events such as festivals and multi-county yard sales to name a few.
Through the efforts of leadership and partnerships between the chamber, local businesses, civic organizations, and schools, community events, such as the Crossroads Festival, foster tourism and stimulate economic development. The event is held annually on the Town Square in Cuthbert. The synergy behind the Crossroads Festival was to market the Randolph County community’s unique geographic position as the “crossroads of southwest Georgia” via U.S. Highways 82 and 27. The festival attracts vendors far and near and offers the opportunity to explore wild game, arts and crafts, and fun galore of activities for the whole family. The event is an example of leader ingenuity to implement non-conventional ways to grow economic development and to foster strong community. The annual Southwest Georgia 65 Mile High Cotton Yard Sale and the Highway 82 Spring Clean Yard Sale are also examples of ingenuity and successful collaboration. The SWGA 65 Mile High Cotton Yard Sale occurs annually the second Saturday in November and includes Baker, Calhoun, Clay, and Mitchell counties. The route stretches along GA Highway 37 from Fort Gaines to Camilla. The Highway 82 Yard Sale includes Quitman, Randolph, and Terrell counties and is held annually the first Saturday in May. The route stretches from Georgetown to Sasser along Highway 82. Both events stimulate economic development and tourism throughout the southwest Georgia region. Leadership is a primary component to the dynamic of rural community. The term leader, within the rural context, is often defined as the go to person or the one who makes things happen. The role of leadership within the dynamic of rural community is pivotal. It is his understanding of the dynamics within community that drive solutions, foster partnerships, and encourage innovation. The role of leader, therefore, extends beyond understanding the intricate dynamics of rural community. The leader role encompasses understanding the intangible facets such as mindsets, culture, communication styles, and attitudes of those within the community. It is this understanding coupled with an acute knowledge of community the leader is in an optimum position to initiate partnerships, to develop, and to implement strategic plans with common goals that impact the greater good of all.—
RuralLeaderMagazine.com 5
