Press Release

Crowell - Over 100 eager adults and high school students who gathered at the Crowell Activity Center discovered that they were very wealthy, as they took part in the 18th Annual Southern Plains Conference, with its theme: "Commonwealth & Communities". Those attending represented more than a dozen Great Plains communities that have their share of problems, like declining populations, lack of job opportunities, and cash-strapped economies. Despite these challenges, conference participants came away convinced that their communities are truly rich in commonwealths: assets that make up the cultural, social, infrastructure, and natural resources sectors of their hometowns.

"Commonwealths are key assets like water, soil, education, wildlife, health, food, history, arts, energy…these are assets that can be found in any community," notes Darryl Birkenfeld, Director of Ogallala Commons, organizer of the event. "If our commonwealths are squandered, depleted or left idle on the shelf, communities are caught in cycles of decline. On the other hand, in communities that can preserve, invest in, and enhance commonwealths-their residents feel hopeful, build thriving businesses, and work together toward a shared vision for the future."

In the morning, adults and youth worked together to identify different entities that form their commonwealths. After lunch, participants fanned out across the Crowell area to see commonwealth investment in action. Some learned about community-scale wind energy and the potential for wind farms. Others visited the Family Cow Dairy which sells milk products right in Crowell, as well as Raggedy Creek Processing, geared towards deer and wild hog meat…assets that are key to Crowell's economy. Efforts to re-design, re-use, and re-purpose city infrastructure were demonstrated at Rolling Plains Management Corporation, which operates from the former county hospital building, and Crowell Apparel, a successful business that opened in a previously vacant building. In addition, the importance of a community's education system was demonstrated at the facilities of Crowell Schools, where geothermal heating and air, renovated buildings, staff training, and an innovative art program have greatly improved student opportunities. Finally, many participants were thrilled to visit the Comanche Springs Astronomy Center, a unique learning facility located in Foard County.

Ogallala Commons Executive Director Darryl Birkenfeld (seated) discusses the commonwealth of water with Hart High School students Jayme Flores and Amber Guzman. On the far right hand side of the photo stands Courtney White, Executive Director of The Quivira Coalition, based in Santa Fe, NM.

The conference was the first Training/Learning Day for 6 towns and counties involved in the Red River Regional Cluster, a partnership project focused on local capacity building and empowerment. The next Training/Learning Day will be April 24th. To learn more about the Cluster, visit www.ogallalacommons.org or contact Darryl Birkenfeld at 806-945-2255 or darrylb@amaonline.com