Hackensack challenges residents to be game changers

Area of the future.

The Game Changers kickoff meeting is planned from 4:30-5:30 p.m. Feb. 24 at the Birchwood Charhouse in Hackensack. Appetizers will be served, and door prizes are available. Organizers are urging people to bring their friends and make their voices heard. Participants of all ages are

encouraged to attend.

In the spring of 2017, Hackensack submitted a competitive grant to the Initiative Foundation to participate in the revised Thriving Communities Initiative. According to foundation website, the program assists communities to "engage new and emerging leaders in leadership development, asset-based community development and local philanthropy."

Hackensack was chosen as one of five communities in the program, along with Eden Valley, Menahga, Milaca and Upsala

During Phase I of the program the Hackensack Lakes Area startup group began meeting on June 22, 2017, to discuss community assets that could be promoted to attract more people and businesses to the area, and to enhance community livability.

After several meetings, group members travelled three times to the Initiative Foundation

offices in Little Falls for specialized training to identify, support and mentor new and

emerging leaders.

The Hackensack Lakes Area group was then one of three communities selected to advance to Phase II of the program. Communities advancing to Phase II were selected after demonstrating they are ready and willing to put their skills and training to use on community and economic development.

In Phase II, Initiative Foundation staff will provide training, continued technical assistance and referrals to the Hackensack group as it works to engage underrepresented populations and civic leaders, identify key community assets, explore community-based solutions, and work to expand economic opportunities to attract residents, business owners and visitors.

The Hackensack group will also be offered a customized consultation with the Foundation's Community Philanthropy Specialist to identify strategies for building, growing and managing local investments.

Members of the Hackensack Lakes Area group planned to participate in additional training at foundation headquarters in early February, and again in March. At the

conclusion of Phase II, up to three communities will be selected for Phase III, during

which a challenge match of up to $20,000 will be available.

"The Thriving Communities Initiative program is funded in part, by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and its Rural Community Development Initiative," according to the foundation website: "Funds from RCDI help to cover Phase I costs. Additional funds for Phase II participation are raised locally, with assistance from the Initiative Foundation. Other program sponsors include Xcel Energy, Minnesota Power and Wells Fargo Foundation."