Northwest Venture Communities Inc. refers to its regional endeavors as "Dakota Dreams, Partnering for Prosperity" because partners from across the region are being encouraged to dream and envision how we can work together to improve the quality of life and reduce poverty. These ideas will be utilized to develop a regional plan.

NVCI "Dakota Dreams, Partnering for Prosperity" was made possible when the Northwest Area Foundation of St. Paul, Minnesota selected this region of North Dakota to take part in their Community Ventures program.

The Northwest Area Foundation's Community Ventures program is a two phase program. In phase one, the Foundation is providing financial support for activities to develop regional plans. In phase two, the Foundation may choose to form a long term partnership and provide additional assistance with implementation of a regional plan.

The NVCI "Dakota Dreams, Partnering for Prosperity" plan must include:

• A focus on reducing poverty in our region. It should include a community definition of poverty and a potential to reduce poverty in the region.
• Involvement of diverse interests and inclusiveness. Especially those who are challenged and traditionally not involved.
• Do no harm. Assurance that implementing the plan will not harm the social, ecological and cultural or economic well being of the community or another community.
• Provide thoughtful and realistic strategies for accomplishing community goals. It should include a long range vision, effective strategies and benchmarks.
• Develop and identify local abilities and resources to achieve long-term goals.
• Adaptable to new knowledge and changing circumstances.

Mitch Monson, Director
Northwest Venture Communities, Inc.
PO Box 2024
925 20th Avenue SW
Minot, ND 58702
701-837-6102 or 800-210-6134
Fax: 701-838-8955

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http://www.nvci.org