Today we continue the 2nd phase of the series on the Seven Community Capitals. It has been a lot of fun to co-host with Bob Riley Jr. and we have had some good discussions during the previous eleven shows.
We took a close look at each of the Seven Capitals – Natural, Social, Financial, Political, Human, Cultural, and Built — as defined by Flora and Flora in 2013. Now we are examining how the various capitals are woven into the resilience and sustainability of a few specific towns.
Through all of the discussions our goals has been to dream of a post-Covid, aspirational world where we look for positive, practical paths forward through the connected strength of the Seven Capitals.
We’ve talked with leaders from Des Moines, Le Mars, and Jefferson. Today we are discussing Storm Lake. The leaders and residents in Storm Lake have responded well to the changes facing most small towns in the Midwest and it has helped them to not only survive and grow but quite clearly to thrive! As a town that embraces its diversity, they continue to support their university, various industries, and tourism; illustrating for all, how inclusion of immigrants strengthens their community. As stated in Art’s bio, “a more inclusive, authentic populism could be the guide to a progressive resurgence in rural America.”
Joining our discussion today are our distinguished guests:
- Art Cullen, Pulitzer Prize winning editor of the Storm Lake Times and author of Storm Lake: Change, Resilience, and Hope in America’s Heartland
- Mike Porsch, current mayor, pharmacist, and former city councilman for Storm Lake
Key Takeaways:
- The people of a community – its human capital – are its greatest assets
- Understanding the importance of progressive policies will strengthen the community and build on it
- Remaining open to immigration in a community does not take away from its rich heritage
- Adapting to natural transitions within a community helps it to survive and thrive
- Unless you embrace immigration and inclusivity, you will be challenged to fill your workforce
- Current residents move out and new residents move into communities all the time
- It is often the new members in town who drive entrepreneurial ventures
- If done right, a community is more than just an unrelated gathering of people ~ Tom Harkin
“There is only one way to look at things
Until someone shows us how
To look at them with different eyes.”
~ Pablo Picasso
“Inclusion is not bringing people into what already exists;
It is making a new space,
A better space for everyone.”
~George Dei
Thank you for listening to today’s discussion. Let’s continue the conversation and learn from each other.