I came across this article via the Center for Rural Affairs twitter this morning, and the subject and tone struck a familiar chord.

The article describes a Florida family who moved to Hazelton, North Dakota under an incentive program that gives cash to people who relocate and open businesses. One year later, the Tristani family is returning to Florida, and it isn't the shock of North Dakota winters that has them heading back to the sun. As father Michael Tristani puts it, "It’s been quite an experience, 50-50 at best. It hasn’t been easy. No one really wants new people here."




If the community of Hazleton doesn't really want new people, why did the Hazelton Development Corporation offer and advertise free lots, up to $20,000 toward home purchases, and up to $50,000 for new businesses?

Rural populations are generally dwindling, and residents want their communities to persist into the future, yet it's difficult for newcomers to assimilate into small town life for many reasons. Sometimes that reason is cultural. Small communities where folks that are deeply connected by their common place and history often have a hard time welcoming newcomers, and newcomers often have a hard time assimilating into the already established social and business atmosphere. Both sides have some obligations to make it work.

A few years ago, I had the privilege of facilitating a leadership workshop in a mountain community in California. The group was mostly established residents but a few newcomers were represented in the room, and one person pointed out that she had never felt welcome in the community. Many folks move to the rugged landscape from other more urban areas in California like Sacramento, and as in many mountian communities, these and other outsiders are labeled as "Flatlanders." "Flatlanders" and terms like it put outsiders into a single group and allows for an us-versus-them mentality that perpetuates harmful stereotypes and exclusion. So the group asked themselves, "What can we do to create a more welcoming place?" The group came up with several ideas for eliminating this type of attitude in their community: creating a welcome wagon to stop by the newcomers' homes, establishing a norm for realtors to introduce buyers to neighbors and local businesses, and perhaps the most important idea of all, keeping an open mind.

New residents of rural communities also have responsiblity in assimiliating to their already established rural communities. Places like Hazelton, ND aren't just looking for any warm body to fill the space. They want engaged community members who will appreciate the place where they live. In small towns, people and businesses win favor if they are engaged in their community. This means attending local events, joining community groups, volunteering, supporting other local business and schools, and donating to local causes. It also means respecting the lifestyle and place that long-time residents value.

Folks are already chatting about this article on the CFRA Facebook Page. I would love to hear what our readers think about this subject.

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