By: Paula Jensen

When I was a child, my mom ingrained in me the mantra: “Whatever you do, leave it better than you found it.”

That statement resonates daily in my work as a community coach with rural leaders. As I help these rural leaders uncover a vision for their community, I often hear the greatest generation reminisce about their community’s vibrant past. They express a dream of returning to those days. The reality for most of us, though, is that we never experienced the vibrant community they describe. Instead, as new leaders were handed a community with shuttered Main Street buildings, aging infrastructure, unkempt facilities, and dilapidated houses.

Imagine, however, if each of us committed to leaving our rural community better than we found it. What would we need to do or do differently?

Many of the community and economic development leaders I coach have a vision for their community. They want to leave it better than they found it. They understand that if we want our rural communities not just to survive but to truly thrive, every resident — starting with themselves — must commit to taking positive action. Our actions today will decide the future we choose to create and leave to the next generation of leaders. Here’s how each of us can make a meaningful difference, starting today.

First, we must immediately work to reconnect as a community. A thriving rural area is one where neighbors know each other, engage in critical conversations, value collaborative partnerships, and community pride uplifts us all. Isolation weakens us; connection strengthens us. Get involved today — volunteer with a local organization, organize a neighborhood block party, or reach out to someone in need. These acts aren’t just nice ideas; they are critical for fostering a sense of belonging and shared responsibility. If we don’t engage with each other, we risk losing the bonds that make our community unique and strong.

Second, we must seize every opportunity to promote “possibility thinking.” We can do this by creating a community that learns about available resources. The community should also grow our skills and share what we know. Imagine a rural community where each of us contributes to a pool of knowledge, where local innovation thrives, and where every child dreams big because they see opportunity everywhere. We can’t build a stronger community if we don’t invest in ourselves and our youth.

Third, we must beautify our community. A welcoming environment fosters pride in every resident and visitor. Imagine every street lined with colorful flower beds, parks filled with trees, and public spaces alive with art and creativity. Every one of us can contribute to this vision. Plant a garden in your front yard or around public spaces. Add a fresh coat of paint to a building that needs it. Organize community mural projects that show our shared heritage and values. Host clean-up drives or tree planting days. These efforts don’t just make our surroundings more attractive — they inspire a collective sense of care, pride, and respect for the community.

Finally, collaboration is essential, and it starts with you. Think of what we can achieve together: local businesses bustling with support and a network of neighbors working hand in hand for a common cause. Reach out to local organizations, businesses, and leaders today to propose or support projects that benefit a thriving community. Collective action multiplies our efforts and creates lasting impact. We do have the power to leave our community better than we found it. Our possibility thinking and deliberate efforts can make it a place where the economy is resilient, the spirit of community is unbreakable, and the next generation of leaders will inherit a community they are proud to call home.

About the Author

Having a passion for community leadership and development is what drives Paula Jensen’s personal and professional life. Paula lives in her hometown of Langford, South Dakota, population 318+. She serves as a Strategic Doing practitioner, grant writer and community coach with Dakota Resources based in Renner, South Dakota. Dakota Resources is a mission-driven 501c3 Community Development Financial Institution working to connect capital and capacity to empower rural communities. Fill out our Contact Us form to get in touch with her. You can find all her guest columns at the following website.