Run4Rural: Fostering Community Leadership in West Central Minnesota

“Politics is how we care for one another”-Wy Spano 

In fall 2023, 26 participants connected to west central Minnesota revisited the purpose of politics through the Run4Rural weekend training led by West Central Initiative.  

Victoria McWane-Creek (left) and Nancy South (right)

The program is designed for people interested in growing and strengthening their local communities through elected office and other forms of public leadership. This training is non-partisan and useful for existing and emerging rural leaders and people active in their community, whether or not they have decided to run for office. The first two Run4Rural trainings took place on September 29-30 and October 6-7, 2023. Once cohort members were accepted into the training program, they chose which weekend training they planned to attend.

Erik Peterson, President of Bending the Arc Strategies, and Ben Schierer, Mayor of Fergus Falls, designed and led the trainings. Peterson’s 20+ years of experience, coupled with Schierer’s engagement at the city level, created the ideal space, tools, and community for participants to explore how and when to run for local office. 

Amanda Williams (left) and Siham Amedy (right)

The weekend training sessions began by inviting participants to identify their values and the ways they connect to one another in their communities. They also explored the “why” behind their intentions to engage in local politics. Family, education, honesty, and community were common motivators among participants. 

Schierer had a front seat to diverse perspectives and lived experiences shared and noted, “These folks have incredible passion and vision for their communities and show an immense commitment to being a part of their community’s future through public service.” 

Day two kicked off with each participant delivering a stump speech—a politician’s elevator pitch—for feedback. The activity was a cohort favorite. Members were grateful to hear fellow participants’ personal stories and ideas for confronting some of the most frustrating challenges in housing, economic development, and education.  

Run4Rural September 2023 Cohort

“On my drive here, I had no idea what I’d signed up for. Now I’m incredibly glad I came,” voiced one community member.  

By the end of the weekend, participants and training leaders felt revitalized and connected. 

 “The best part is always the people,” recounted Peterson. “I looked around the room at the end of the training and saw a room full of leaders re-energized and more confident in themselves and committed to doing the work together.” 

West Central Initiative will host three Run4Rural trainings in the spring of 2024. For more information, email celeste@wcif.org or visit wcif.org/rural-democracy. 

About the Author

Celeste Koppe serves as the Rural Initiatives Strategist for West Central Initiative. She works on our Rural Democracy projects, including Run4Rural, Intro to Civic Life, and the Rural Advocacy and Public Leadership Program. Celeste also leads our Rural Belonging work, including our Welcoming Week sponsorships. Celeste lives in Detroit Lakes and has been with West Central Initiative since 2021.