”No matter how carefully you plan your goals they will never be more than pipe dreams unless you pursue them with gusto.” – Clement Stone
In January-March, over two hundred people studied poverty issues in Eveleth – we learned that over 45% of Eveleth residents, according to the 2000 census, do not make enough money to meet their basic needs. We spent hours discussing the causes of poverty in our diverse groups; we grappled with issues of racism, lack of jobs, lack of support, lack of personal responsibility, economic inequality, bad public policy, cuts in education funding, and many other causes of poverty. We looked at successes of other small towns, we identified our assets, and we brainstormed short, intermediate, and long-range projects to help eliminate poverty and turn Eveleth into a thriving community. Nearly 30 people attended an advanced leadership training to learn how to put the ideas into action.
Some of the small projects have already been accomplished:
- Summer soccer program
- Community blog (http://www.eveleth.blogspot.com/)
- Recruitment of volunteers to serve on city commissions
- Assisted AEOA in securing a state transportation grant of $150,000.
- Monthly summer clean-up of Grant Avenue’s business district
- Inaugural participation in National Night Out activities
- Skateboarding Competition and Open House at the newly relocated skatepark
- Learn to Skate program at the Hippodrome
- Involvement in planning a regional visit of the Legislative Poverty Commission
- Creation of a sliding hill
Eveleth Has a Vision! – On November 1, facilitator David Beurle led discussion on his top ten attributes for successful communities. Among the things going well in Eveleth, according to the participants, were strong belief in and support for education and a strong presence of traditional institutions that are integral to community life. Eveleth came out luke warm on evidence of strong community pride and inclusive culture, investing in the future, and self-reliance of the community. Growth opportunities included creating a participatory approach to decision making, creatively building new economic opportunities, supporting local business, deliberate transition to new leaders, and a willingness to seek help from the outside. Next, the group created a vision for the Eveleth they’d like to have in 10-15 years:
Our rich culture and history defines who we are. Our community is a safe, close-knit place where neighborhood values make Eveleth a great place to raise a family. We are a progressive, cohesive and collaborative community that works together to make our community thrive. We have a range of unique and exciting community events that attract people from across the world to celebrate our heritage, our history, and our culture. In particular, we are renowned for our world-class Hockey Hall of Fame!
Eveleth is a business-friendly community that builds on taconite, timber, and tourism. Our entrepreneurial economy is evident in our vibrant and bustling downtown that provides diverse opportunities for all. The fresh face on our historical buildings demonstrates community pride and innovation. Recreation opportunities provide welcoming ways for the young and old to come together.
Volunteers signed up to work on the following committees: Economic Development; Blight/Beautification; Youth Activities/Involvement; Community Activities; and, Downtown Revitalization. Contact Heather at 218.305.4456 for more information on opportunities to get involved. Let’s begin 2008 with gusto!
“Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant.”
–Robert Louis Stevenson
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