This research explored the extent to which rural areas are and should be engaged with sustainability planning, what that looks like in a rural context and if stakeholders feel a sense of engagement with urban and provincial sustainability goals. The findings are important for local governments, planners and agriculture activists.
This toolkit is for people working in community development, health and community leaders who want to strengthen community resilience factors: social networks & support, positive outlook, learning, early experience, environment & lifestyle, infrastructure, sense of purpose, diverse economy, embracing differences, beliefs and leadership.
- University of Queensland and University of Southern Queensland (2008)
While the Intelligent Communities movement is largely focused on urban cities, the example of Mitchel, South Dakota on page 14 suggests rural communities can use information and communications technology to boost in-migration.
The Rural Health Information Hub provides short, accessible, evidence based descriptions of a range of models, innovations and initiatives. Use this as a stepping off point to dig deeper or adapt the innovation into your own community.
For rural residents without a private vehicle, access to services is a significant barrier and an impediment to being active members of society. This resource describes the models and building blocks required for a co-ordinated approach in your community. - Rural Ontario Institute
This is a short primer on social enterprise with illustrated examples from across BC. Social enterprise is introduced as a tool to address community challenges in employment, culture, environment, healthcare and poverty.
From Need to Opportunity is a social enterprise guide by and for rural communities in Ontario. This guide walks through the steps from what is a social enterprise to feasibility work, business planning and financing. - Social Enterprise Rural Alliance
This report shares results from 11 communities in rural Minnesota that undertook assessment and planning to strengthen their information and communications technology. For local governments, business associations and planners.
This guide from Scotland covers important considerations in small town community engagement and offers 15 pages of engagement tools from arts based to focus groups, open space, future search and street stalls.
