What Do Young People Need to Stay in Rural America?
What Do Young People Need to Stay in Rural America? |
A recent article in BEEF, the nation’s leading cattle publication, gave a great summary of what young people need to stay in rural America.
The Three Things:
1. Improved Internet service in rural America. Access to the Internet is one of the most necessary elements to help a small community compete and thrive. Whether it enables students to take an online class remotely from a university located miles away, or allows a conversation with a specialist for more acute health care needs, a proper Internet connection is needed to bring these opportunities torural America.
2. Support local businesses. Sure, small-town grocery stores are probably a bit more expensive than Walmart, but it’s critical that small-town shoppers support their local businesses. Instead of stocking up at a big retailer when you’re in the city, or buying everything online, shop in the little boutiques that pepper main street. Spend money within your community to keep those little stores and shops alive.
3. Encourage young people. If you’re seeing more and more young people leave your small community, then perhaps it’s time to take the initiative and encourage these folks to stay. Perhaps they aren’t aware of the opportunities in small towns, or fearful that their businesses can’t thrive in a small community. Support the next generation. Whether they’re small merchants, tradesmen, lawyers or farmers, these young people can add huge benefits to small communities. Encourage them to stay, and be sure to support them once they do. What do you think? Do you agree with these three things? |
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