Communities in Action (Sidney, MT) has a variety of strategies for introducing new members to "everyday" folks in the community and vice versa.

They have VISTAs volunteer at the county fair, driving golf cart shuttles from the parking lot to the fairgrounds. And, they organize "windshield surveys" where members drive around town with residents to learn about the community and get a different perspective on local issues.

Click the play button to hear Beth Cook explain how this works.

Cook also sends profiles and photos of new members to the local newspaper, so the community sees that bright, committed young people are willing to relocate and serve in their remote town.

Click the play button to learn the benefits of this practice.

Go back to Community Orientation