Southwest Desert To Northern Plains

[FungiGuy]

Originally Posted by fourwinds

Some smaller towns really never have any "new" people move in, so outsiders (whether from across the country or across the county) are looked at as unique, curious, and with suspicion. Much of the time, the suspicion is founded on lack of esteem and limited opportunities: "Why would any outsider want to attempt to make a living here when we are struggling?"

Sometimes people just need to look deeper into what a community's real needs are and begin slowly to speak life into it through actions and encouragement. Real leadership does that.

I think this is the kernel here, very perceptive comment fourwinds. I agree that the lack of a esteem is a confounding factor. I find often that people from here don't have a lot of confidence in the community. I don't say this to put anybody down, but many seem to have an attitude of "oh, that's just the way it is, we just deal with it." When really everyone in the community needs to be working towards openness to new ideas to encourage growth.

I think there is potential here in Dickinson. The National Park is close, and really I-94 is a major corridor from west to east, but even within the current community to I think there is a lot of room for constructive growth. I think it is what people want, even the people with the above quoted attitude really want to feel proud about their community but its difficult to know where to start building. And I do notice people trying to make a difference. Thats great!

The thing for me, and I'm sure any people who come from outside, is the difficulty in getting inspired to work for the betterment of a community that isn't really very good at giving inspiration.

[Weiserheiser]

I was born and raised in Dickinson. I am a young professional. It seems like I know every body and I really cant say that we dislike outsiders. However it is best too meet some one at work who can help you meet people.

People are not unfriendly, they just keep to themselves unless you go out of your way.

I have made a few friends with people who grew up along ways from here over the last few years!!

[NODAK1979]

Well...Medina is basically a small dot on a map...a very big map, that is. It really isn't near anything substantial...there's nothing in Jamestown pretty much and it's 100 miles to any city of 50,000 or more. The nearest big city, Mpls, is 5 hours or so away from there. Medical facilities will be a ways away....I'm just not sure what's attractive about moving to small town ND.