Northern Plains Initiative (NPI)
Quick Links
The Northern Plains Initiative (NPI) was established in 2005 as a result of a variety of community conversations and roundtable discussions designed to identify goals, values, and communal vision across the rural northern plains of Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming. These conversations, dubbed Plains Talks, brought together broad and diverse groups; bankers and small business owners, farmers and teachers, tribal leaders and the faith based community, all with the objective to understand the needs and dreams of our northern plains community. As a result of these Plains Talks a collective vision of hope for the future of our region, of sustainable rural communities was born – and the Northern Plains Initiative was formed to bring this vision to light. Focused on creating a region where people have the opportunity to thrive in the community they choose, where diversity is cherished, the environment is respected, and where community pride leads to rooted generationsl the NPI works across the 392,672 square miles of mountains, badlands, and prairie and alongside the 19 sovereign tribal nations that comprise the four-state region to achieve this mission. The NPI collaborative is built upon a foundation of community, accountability, capacity, respect, and hope – core values that base the Initiative’s work and direction. NPI is a regional collaborative housed at Rural Dynamics, Incorporated (RDI) headquartered in Great Falls, Montana. The NPI Advisory Council is comprised of members representing the four-state Initiative region.
What the NPI Does
Program and Policy Resources & Technical Assistance
The NPI is the resource clearinghouse for pertinent program and policy initiatives: connecting people to cutting-edge research, policy toolkits, roundtable reports, and best practices that reveal strategies for building economic prosperity.
Strengthen Relationships
The Initiative strengthens and builds relationships by leveraging the expertise and established networks that regional and local partners have within communities. The NPI targets ‘grasstops’ organizations and coalitions in its educational, capacity building, and grassroots outreach efforts.
Increase Communications
In order to effectively work within the region and amongst partners, the Initiative works to increase communication, community awareness, and community engagement. By disseminating information through its publications, various social media platforms, newsletters, e-campaigns, and trainings, the Initiative works to share information with partners and constituents throughout the region and to inform the conversation about rural America. Facilitate
Convenings
To act as the connector, informer, and advocate for the northern plains region, the NPI often facilitates meetings and various convenings. At roundtables and conferences diverse voices from across the northern plains region and throughout the country identify needs and strategies for translating vision to reality at a myriad of levels (local, state, tribal, and federal) and within various time horizions.
Like us on FaceBook
Follow us on Twitter
